How To Repair & Protect Hardwood Floors From Water Damage

Water damage can impact nearly everything in the home. If not properly addressed, large amounts of water on hardwood floors can cause the wood to warp, create mold growth, and dramatically impact the property value of your home. Luckily, there are ways to repair and protect your hardwood floors from water damage, and AG Construction is here to help.

Below, we’ll explain how to identify and resolve water damage on hardwood floors.

How Long Does It Take for Water To Damage Hardwood Floors?

How long it takes for water to damage hardwood floors depends on how much water there is and where the water damage is located. The top layer of hardwood floors is typically treated to protect the wood from minor spills.

If there’s a large amount of water on your floors, you can try wiping it up to dry the top of the boards, but water can seep between the floorboards and get underneath.

If left untreated, the boards will absorb the water and expand. The quicker water damage is addressed, the better the chance of saving your hardwood floors. In the event of a major disaster like a flood, leak, or pipe burst, it’s best to call a professional within 24 hours to minimize the damage.

Signs of Water Damage on Hardwood Floors

Your floors may have absorbed moisture at some point without you knowing, so it’s important to look for signs of water damage on your hardwood floors. Signs your hardwood floors have water damage include:

• Odors coming from under the hardwood
• Staining or discoloration of the wood
• Signs of buckling, swelling, or bulging
• Lifting nails and floorboards
• Mold or mildew

If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about potential water damage, contact a professional immediately.

How To Repair & Minimize Water Damage on Wood Floors

Whether you have a large spill, a burst pipe, or a leaky roof, there are steps you can take to repair and minimize water damage to protect your hardwood floors. Follow these steps:

• Find the water source: Before attempting to dry the water, you must find where the water is coming from and repair the issue. You won’t be able to dry your floors when there’s an active leak.
• Remove wet objects and dry the floors: Move any wet objects, such as rugs or furniture, to limit the amount of water saturating your hardwood. Next, remove as much standing water as possible using a wet vac or towels. Depending on the cause of the water damage, clean the floors of any silt or mud before drying the floors and the surrounding area as much as possible.
• Check for deformities or mold: Check for any swelling or bulges in the floor. Look carefully for any visible mold growth on the wood or in the pores of the grain. Using fans and dehumidifiers throughout this process can help dry the floors and prevent mold.

Laying down rugs or mats on your hardwood floors can help prevent water damage in the future. You can also inspect your home for leaks or faulty pipes that could cause flooding and threaten your floors.

Professionally sealing your hardwood floors every few years also helps protect your flooring against potential harm from issues such as moisture and prolongs the lifespan of your hardwood.

Schedule Hardwood Floor Refinishing in DC & Maryland

At AG Construction, we offer the personal touch of a small business with big business results. We provide a range of expert flooring services, including hardwood installation, sanding, staining, restoration, and refinishing.

Our refinishing services can improve the appearance of your hardwood floors, eliminate signs of wear and tear, resolve and protect against water damage and other threats, and increase your property value.

AG Construction is your local specialist in custom flooring solutions, offering fair and affordable pricing, free estimates, and honest assessments.

Schedule hardwood floor refinishing services in DC or Maryland by calling AG Construction today.