Signs Of Water Damage To Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors may not be easy to spot due to their color or lack thereof. Sometimes, hardwood floor water damage can go unnoticed. Usually, you will notice signs of damage to your hardwood floors when it is obvious. You should be careful when looking for water damage on hardwood floors. Protective gear is recommended to ensure safe handling.

Here are some signs that hardwood floors may have suffered water damage:
• Hardwood floors can be damaged by water, but not all.
• Your hardwood floors can be damaged by water depending on the type and layout of your wood.
• There are many ways to determine if your hardwood floors are damaged.
• Hardwood floors that have been damaged by water can be repaired at home or by professionals

Are you seeing an increase in your water bills?

Even though the leak may not be obvious physically, it could show up in your monthly water bill. An unexpected increase in your water bill may indicate that you have a leak somewhere. When you have a higher water bill, there are many things to consider. What is a typical bill in your area? How much water do you use? We recommend going online to find out the local rates.

Did you use more water during this time period? Sometimes, we have to invite family members over, take more bubble baths or wash more dishes, and it can cause a change. Which time of the year did this happen? Because we use more water during summer months, it can lead to higher water bills. Most people water their yards or take care of their pool in summer which can increase their water bills. A faucet that leaks at a rate of 1 drip per second could result in a loss of 17 gallons within a single day. It is not good to have 17 gallons of water leaking onto your hardwood floor each day. You should immediately contact a professional to check your property for possible leaks if you notice an increase on your water bills.

Are you noticing a bad smell in your home?

Water damage in Central Maryland smells unique and is easily identifiable. The musty odor indicates that moisture is present where it isn’t supposed to be. The smell caused by mold growth is due to the release of chemicals as it grows, eats and multiplies. Mold is made up of many different compounds that react with each other. Get fresh air flowing quickly to any room that is emitting a strong odor. To get rid of bacteria, we recommend opening windows. Mold thrives in porous materials. If you’re inspecting your own home, it’s important to be careful. It is important to find the source of moisture in order to identify if mold has been found. A professional like 911 Restoration of Central Maryland should be contacted immediately to address any issues.

Are you noticing any cupping in the floors?

Cupping occurs when the edges are lifted higher than their center. If your flooring was properly installed, you will see the following. The floor expands, causing the boards to become brittle and forming at the edges.

Are you noticing any spore buildup in your home?

You should take precautions if you find mold spores on your hardwood floors. Allergy reactions can be caused by inhaling mold. For protection, wear a dust mask when self-cleaning. To quickly remove mold growth from floors, spray the area with a mixture of white vinegar and water. You will need 1/4 cup vinegar for every 1 cup water. You can also use equal amounts of vinegar and water on the affected area in more severe cases.

Spray the floor and dry it until dry. To ensure that the wood floor’s surface is dry, a moisture meter will be helpful. Mold will not quickly return to wood floors that have been water damaged. This can be achieved by drying them. If you have water damage to your flooring, it is best to contact a local restoration company. After water damage has been addressed, a contractor may be required to sand and refinish the floor. A contractor can sand and restore the wood to its original state. This will eliminate any visible signs of water damage.

Are you noticing any planks breaking?

Wood can normally expand under certain conditions so it is not something to worry about. Extreme buckling could indicate other issues.

Hardwood floors are susceptible to water damage

Wood will move upwards to adapt to changes in moisture levels. You might also find water spots or stains on your flooring. You can prevent water from seeping into your wood by checking the coating often for wear and tear, waxing the wood with protective coating or adding wood oil.

Wood acclimation

It is important to allow wood to adjust to its environment for at least two weeks before installing. Wood must have the opportunity to adjust to its environment before it can buckle. It is safe to assume that moisture was present if buckling is not due to this.

Poorly installed hardwood floors

It is important to correctly install wood. The correct tools are used and, if necessary, the moisture barrier is properly installed. The moisture barrier should be installed correctly or not at all. This could lead to buckling. To reduce the chance of buckling, it is recommended that the flooring be installed with a 1/4-1/2 inch to 1/2inch gap around the room’s rim.

Hardwood floors need to be cared for

You should make it a part of your regular maintenance to maintain beautiful hardwood floors. These are some of the things that will keep hardwood floors looking beautiful. To ensure your hardwood floors look great and last a long time, water damage should be dealt with immediately. A wood flooring water damage repair company will ensure that all issues are resolved and do not come back.