In this blog, we are going to share our process for tackling wood floor water damage and the different treatments available.
Wood Floor Water Damage
Step 1: Determine what caused the water damage
Before fixing the wooden floor damage, it is important to determine what caused it in the first place. Minor damage can usually be repaired however, water damage which has led to high levels of saturation from leaking pipes, flooding, etc. may entail a full replacement.
Are the edges of your floorboards higher?
Known as cupping, if the edges of the floorboards are much higher than the centre, this is usually a sign that water is present underneath your floorboards. This could be from a leaking pipe or even caused by humidity from an insulated crawl space.
Are the edges of your floorboards lower?
Commonly called crowning, if the edges of the floorboards slope down and the middle is raised (like an arch), this usually indicates that moisture was present within the top part of the wooden floor.
This could be due to:
- High levels of moisture in the air absorbed into the wood over time
- Leaking appliances such as a dishwasher
- Saturating the floors when mopping
- Wet shoes on wooden floors over time
- Spillage from pet’s water bowls
Step 2: Act fast
Once you have determined what is causing the water damage, the surface water has been removed, the next step is to fix the issue. If discovered quickly, there is a higher chance that the affected area will not need replacing.
To remove surface water it is advisable to use a dry mop or towels to soak up the water as much as possible, and open as many windows and doors as possible to ventilate the area and speed up the drying process. A dehumidifier or fan will also help speed up this process.
Step 3: Seek professional advice
To achieve the best results, seek professional advice fast from wood floor specialists, such as Sussex Floor Restoration. We will be able to provide the best advice on how to fix a damaged wood floor. This will ensure your engineered wood flooring, parquet, or hardwood flooring receives the treatment required to bring it back to its former glory.
Treatment usually involves:
- An industrial vacuum to extract water and dry the floor further
- Assessment to identify the extent of damage and if the floor can be repaired
- If it can be repaired a thorough scrub of the flooring will then occur to treat any mould
- The floor will then be sanded and refinished to bring it back to its former glory
- If the floor will need to be replaced they will remove the affected area and replace it with new flooring
Wood Floor Water Damage – Wooden floor restorers near me
If you are based in Sussex and are wondering how to repair a damaged wood floor and how much a wood floor restoration will cost, then please contact Sussex Floor Restoration. We can talk you through the full process, perform an onsite assessment and understand your requirements to achieve the results you desire.
At Sussex Floor Restoration we provide a repair and refinishing service for households as well as commercial spaces which range from schools, halls, and gymnasiums to name a few.
To find out more information, please contact us by calling, 01444 810505, emailing info@sussexfloorrestoration.co.uk, or visiting our website to see some amazing before and after pictures, and to find out more about the services we provide.
