Hardwood floors make for a timeless choice. Hardwood floors add an aesthetic appeal to your home, and increase its financial value in the long run.
Moreover, hardwood floors are increasingly popular with homeowners and interior decorators alike because they add a luxurious feel to any space. However, one drawback of installing hardwood floors in your home is their susceptibility to water damage.
How Water Damage affects Hardwood Floors?
Since hardwood floors absorb water readily, it can quickly ruin the finish of your flooring. Exposure to water leads to changing properties of the wood, which damages it overall. Moreover, water can also cause mold and mildew growth, which can completely destroy the wood.
If significant flooding occurs, water damage can also compromise the structural integrity of your floors, and ultimately, your house!
What are the Signs of Water Damage?
Wood floors display various tell-tale signs that indicate they have been affected by water damage. One standard indicator is wooden planks buckling after water absorption. Wood expands when it absorbs water resulting in it growing out of place and buckling.
Another sign to watch out for is dark staining on your floors. Water accumulation underneath the wood can cause mold growth. The mold then combines with tannins, causing the wood to turn color and stain the floors.
How to Deal with Water Damaged Floors?
Dealing with water-damaged floors is an arduous task. Some homeowners try to solve their problems themselves with do-it-yourself methods. However, we recommend contacting a professional flooring contractor to aid you in this process. If you’re looking for hardwood floor repairs in Seattle, Five Star Hardwood Floors can help alleviate your concerns.
Locating the Water Source
It’s essential that you identify the water source and address the problem immediately. This will help protect your floor from any severe water damage. Since hardwood is a porous material, water can seep in easily.
Once the water source has been identified and addressed, it’s vital to begin drying your hardwood floors. However, be careful not to dry the hardwood floors too quickly as that can cause the wood to crack, resulting in cupping or crowning.
Cleaning the Wood Thoroughly
Wood needs to be cleaned as water can cause mold and mildew to form. After cleaning, inspect the wood to see any planking or cupping that needs immediate repairs.
Sanding the Floor
Floor sanding refers to removing the top layer of the wood by sanding it with abrasive materials. this is followed by refinishing Refinishing ensures that the wood is presentable and stays durable. Homeowners can consider sanding if they spot any minor damages on the floor.
However, if the damage is ample, you might need to replace your hardwood floors entirely.
Sub-layer for Floor Buckling
If the floor is badly damaged and buckling, the entire floor may need to be removed. We remove the floor and apply a sub-layer of plywood flooring before making any repairs and installing a new wood floor. We generally recommend that the entire floor be replaced if the damage is substantial.
Consider Hiring a Hardwood Flooring Contractor
If you’re looking to get your floor repaired or refinished, we can assist you with our services ranging from hardwood floor installation to floor repairs. Five Star Hardwood Floors is a flooring contractor based in Seattle. Contact us today for the solution to your flooring needs.