Here's what you need to know about water damage to wood floors in the event that you return home to a spill, a leaking appliance, or the aftermath of a flood. There are three ways in which water can ruin a floor. Pay close attention to these spots so you can assess the damage and figure out whether it's worth repairing the floor or starting over with a new one.

How Can I Tell If My Wood Floor Has Been Wet Or Harmed By Water?

Further water damage may exist if you see water seeping through the seams of the boards when you foot on the floor, or if it feels damp to the touch or has visible wetness on the surface. The following are some other signs of trouble:

• Stained or dark parts
• Damaged planks
• Resulting in blistering or peeling
• Uneven or loose planks
• Problematic floorboards that are sagging or lifting from the flooring
• Cupping or rippling between boards or squeaky regions that moves when you walk on them.

How Long Until Water Damage Sets In On Wood Flooring?

If you quickly mop up any water that may have spilt from a sink or water glass, the damage should be minimal. A lot of minor leaks won't amount to much unless they get a lot bigger. However, damage can be done by water leaks of any size; floods caused by storms, or even slow leaks or drips that go undiscovered for an extended period of time. The longer the wood is exposed to high humidity, the greater the risk of damage. If a floor is flooded because of a storm, you can be sure that there is water damage that needs to be fixed through structural drying

After A Flood, How Long Does It Take For A Wooden Floor To Dry Out?

The flooring will begin drying as soon as the water is turned off and the excess is removed. It can take weeks or longer for wood flooring to dry out completely after being flooded. When the subfloor is made of wood, drying it out completely may require removing the wood flooring. In such a circumstance, the flooring must be replaced entirely.

When Water Seeps Beneath Your Wooden Floors, What Can You Expect?

Water always goes to the lowest position it can find. This means that even after you've mopped up any remaining water on your floor, there could still be moisture in your subfloor. It may take more time for your flooring to dry if there is water underneath it. Almost all floors have a protective coating on their surface to keep water out, but this coating is rarely found on the underside or sides of the boards.

The sub floor wood and hard flooring can still be soaked up by water that reaches the walls, even though the boards themselves are watertight in the centre of the floor. This moisture may take a while to dry, but if left untreated, it could lead to costly structural damage or mould.

Conclusion

Water damage is a common reason for flooring replacement. Even "waterproof" flooring need to be changed when water lingers for too long and seeps underneath and into your subfloor. Wood floors may handle light spills and leaks if dried up immediately. Contact Flood Services right away if your floors have been damaged by water and you need help in restoring it on urgent basis.