Is There A Way To Repair Water Damage To Wooden Floors?

5/12/2016 (Permalink)

Dallas Fine Wood Floor Repaired after Water Damage

Dallas Wood Floors Get a New Look After Water Damage

When you consider all of the money it took to install and lovingly maintain your wood floors, the short answer to a question about repairing Dallas water damage to that floor is: 'Of course there is!'

A tiny amount of water can damage a fine wood floor. It does not have to be a flood or a storm that does it, although those situations certainly can create a problem with a wood floor. Just a leaking faucet, water heater or other appliance can cause this type of water damage in Dallas. Quickly drying it out can reduce further damage.

The problem with any amount water damage near Dallas, regardless of where it came from, is that wood is a porous material and can absorb much water. Water can cause warping and allow molds to enter the wood fiber and begin their growth which can undermine the structure. Rot is another problem that this situation can generate.

The first order of business, when attempting to repair that wood floor is to get it dried out. Nothing else can, or should happen until this is begun:

Open all windows and fans should be directed to the floor and out of those windows. Do not do this if it is raining – possibly one of the reasons you have water in your home in the first place. At least, turn on the heater and get the room warmer to assist in getting the floor to dry out.

It is necessary that both sides of the wood floor get dried. Remove some of the boards to get air circulating under the floor. Removing the insulation, usually wet at this point, can help in this regard. You might also get fans down in the crawlspace to facilitate this air flow. Dehumidifiers, if you have one or two, can help remove moisture from the air, both above and below the flooring.

Removing the baseboards and placing them, outside of the affected room on a flat surface can help get them dry and keep them in good shape.

The above steps, if taken quickly, can help dry out the wood and, depending on the amount of water, the type of wood and the length of time the water stayed on the surface, should get the floor dried in a matter of a few days to a week. All dehumidifiers and fans should be left on during this time. The moisture level, in the room and, therefore, the wood, should get to about 20% or at least under 40.

When the floor has dried out, replace any of the boards you removed before and check the rest of them for warping or discoloration. Lightly sanding those that are can help them fit better and look right. Ensure all boards are attached firmly to the primary struts after replacing the wet insulation with new insulation – there is no reason to chance the old insulation might not have mold spores or other contaminants in it that can spread out later.

Sand the entire floor after a week or two and clean it completely with an appropriate cleanser. Let it dry completely and coat it with a quality sealant and varnish.

Replace baseboards and enjoy the looks and feel of all of your hard work.

If you are confronted with water damage and/or mold in your Dallas home or business, immediate action is imperative. SERVPRO of Southeast Dallas County Professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They also provide accurate monitoring and documentation of the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. If you experience water damage to your Dallas property we can help. Call us 24/7 at (972) 227-0800.