Real hardwood floors add both beauty and value to a home. But dealing with hardwood floor water damage can be an intimidating process. Once your floors are warping or buckling, it may seem like it’s too late to fix the damage. But in today’s blog, we want to offer a little hope.
Here are the real answers to some common concerns homeowners have after their hardwood floors sustain damage.
Still have questions? Call us today to learn more about our water restoration services and request a free consultation!
What Are the Common Causes of Hardwood Floor Water Damage?
Sometimes the causes of hardwood floor water damage are obvious. Your house might experience flooding from a storm or appliance. You may have a leaky roof dripping visible water onto your floor. Your sink could overflow or a significant spill could happen. In those cases, you know what caused the damage because you saw it firsthand.
But sometimes the cause isn’t as clear. In these cases, you may not know there was a water-related issue until the floors started to show the signs. These can include smaller appliance leaks or fractures in your pipes behind the walls. Even minor water splashes that always occur in the same place can cause damage over time. This can include a pet’s water bowl or rogue ice cubes from a fridge dispenser regularly melting in the same areas.
Can Water Damage Cause Hardwood Floor Buckling?
When less obvious things are damaging your floors, it’s important to know what can point to water damage specifically. Water damage can cause:
- Buckling
- Discoloration
- Warping
- Uneven boards
- Squeaking
- Soft spots
When these things start happening in your floors, it’s time to look for water-related causes.
I Have Water-Damaged Hardwood Floors. What Should I Do?
If you suspect you have water-damaged hardwood floors, there are three things you should do right away. The first is to start monitoring the area more carefully and address what you can. This may include running a dehumidifier and cleaning up obvious signs of water.
The second thing to do is contact a water restoration company for an assessment. They can provide expert insight into whether water damage is present and how to address it. They can also help you with the third thing, which is contacting your home insurance company. Depending on the reason for the water damage, some insurance companies will cover hardwood floor damage repair. A water restoration company with local experience should be able to share what is typical to expect in your area.
Can Mold Grow Under Hardwood Floors?
In central North Carolina, concerns about mold always go with concerns about water damage. Our humid climate makes it easy for mold to start growing in damp spaces that don’t experience much airflow. Water trapped under floors is a prime candidate for this.
Unfortunately, if you only notice the water damage once your floors start warping, there is a better chance of mold growth. Contacting a water restoration company that understands how to correctly handle mold is important. They will be able to take care of everything at the same time.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring Water Under Hardwood Floors?
When your floors are water-damaged, you want to take the issue very seriously. Damage to flooring can either cause or reveal a deeper problem. If the damage is significant, there could be problems below the surface, in your home’s foundation—or the event that caused the initial damage could have compromised your home’s integrity.
Working with an expert water restoration company from the beginning is the best way to address the entirety of the problem. If it is an aesthetic issue, they can help remove the damage with as little extra mess as possible, making it easier for you to begin repairs. But, if a larger issue is present, they can also guide you through the process of restoring your home to its original safe and beautiful state.
Don’t Let Water Damage Ruin Your Home’s Value: Contact First Call Today
For over 35 years, First Call has been helping homeowners in central North Carolina recover from damage caused by fire, water and smoke. We understand the unique challenges of our climate and how they can make water damage an even bigger problem, quickly. If you think you have hardwood floor water damage, we are here to help.
From hardwood floor repair to mold remediation, we handle every step of the water damage restoration process with caring professionalism and seasoned expertise. Contact us today for a free inspection and quote to fix your water-damaged home.
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Sources:
AAA, “What To Do After Flood Damage,” https://mwg.aaa.com/via/house-home/what-do-after-flood-damage
Wentland, Meghan, Bob Vila, “Thinking About Installing Wood Flooring in the Bathroom? Know These Risks First,” https://www.bobvila.com/interior/wood-flooring-in-the-bathroom-risks/
