Can hardwood be restored after a Water Loss.

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

If your home suffers from a water loss, we are here to help!

Water damage to hardwood floors is not only common, but can be devastating. Water will destroy the finish and the structure of your floor unless you take action immediately.

Water damage to wood floors can be caused by many things, plumbing leaks, overflowing water heaters, broken washing machines and dishwashers, overflowing toilets or sinks. Regardless of how it happened, there are steps you can take right now to save your hardwood floor from destruction.

Water Damage to Your Hardwood Floor

The damage water can cause to your hardwood floors is severe. Water damage will cause swelling, warping and cracking of the wood, as well as splitting.

Water damage can be caused by leaks, floods and overflows in a home or building. If you have water damage that needs repair, contact an expert today so they can determine how best to restore the condition of your flooring back to normal.

Causes of Water Damage to Wood Floor

There are a variety of causes that may result in water damage to your hardwood floors. These can include a leaky pipe, a burst pipe, or even broken appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Storms can also cause water damage, if they're severe enough and leave standing water on your floor, this can cause secondary damages to your floor.

What to Do When Water Damage Strikes

If you’re dealing with a wet floor, the first thing to do is call a professional. They can help you determine if it's salvageable and what kind of repairs will be needed. Once they've arrived on the scene, remove all wet items from the area and start drying things out as much as possible before they set in place (like rugs). This will make it easier for them to dry out your wood flooring quickly and prevent secondary damage in your home.

Use air movers or dehumidifiers, if necessary, to remove moisture from the air, then use fans around the perimeter of affected areas so that warm air can circulate through them more effectively. Do not use hairdryers or other heat sources near damaged hardwood floors until they're completely dry.

How to Save Water Damaged Floors

There are several steps you can take to minimize the damage and help your floor dry quickly. Remove excess water as soon as possible. Use a wet/dry vacuum, if necessary, this will get rid of most of the moisture. If the wood is still wet after using a dehumidifier, use fans to dry it completely (this may take up to 48 hours). Save time by using hardwood floor drying kits or machines that have been specifically designed for this purpose.

The sooner you take action, the more likely it is that your damaged floor can be saved. Waiting too long can lead to irreparable damage and a need for replacement, so don't wait any longer than is absolutely necessary!

When you are in need of a restoration company, give SERVPRO of Town & Country a call at the first sign of water damage to your hardwood floors.