Using hardwood floors in the house has many advantages. They are easy to clean, strong and durable and they look elegant. However, wood flooring is not suitable in wet areas as it is vulnerable to moisture and humidity. Water is the wood’s biggest enemy. When the water sits on the hardwood floor, the wood will absorb the water which causes cupping and discoloration.
Save Water Damaged Hardwood Floors
When water damage occurs in a house with wooden flooring, homeowners need to act fast to avoid serious damage on the floor. Here are some things homeowners to save water damaged hardwood floors:
1. Find the Source
The first thing that you need to do is to find the source of the water and stop it. If the water continues to penetrate the wood, it won’t fix the problem at all. When the source is not found, the drying up process would be of no use.
2. Get rid of hardwood water.
Removing water is the next step in saving water damaged hardwood floor. You can use mops, old towels, and floor squeegees to remove standing water. If you have a wet/dry shop vacuum in the house, you can also use that. Remove any other wet items such as rugs and carpet from the area to fully remove the water.
3. Clean and Disinfect the Floor.
Mix mild detergent and disinfectant with clean water in a bucket. Scrub the floor using the solution. Don’t pour the water to the floor as it will add up to the problem. Clean the floor thoroughly to remove the dirt and other organic materials that aid mold growth.
4. Apply Treatment to Moldy Areas.
Check all the areas if they are free from mold. If molds colonize a small area, it is still easy to remove. First, scrub the surface mold stain with a mixture of 1qt. Water and 1/2 cup bleach mold cleaner to kill the mold. After scrubbing the area, let the solution penetrates the surface and dry. However, when the area is big, it is necessary to call mold remediation experts to help you with the problem. They have all the necessary tools and knowledge to fully remove the mold.
5. Dry the Floor
Dry the floor naturally using fans on full blast. If it is not raining, opening the window will help dry the floor. Use dehumidifier to pull out the moisture. Make sure to dry the floor naturally as fast drying process would lead to cracks on the floor. Do not apply heat on the flooring. It may cause cupping and other problems. You can use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture level of the floor. Drying hardwood floor completely takes weeks. Leave your dehumidifier active until there is no water left in the area.
Call a Professional for Help!
Drying hardwood floor takes time and can be daunting for homeowners. It is important to do the process accordingly to ensure that the wood can still last for a long time. If you are unsure about what to do, it is best to call a professional water damage restoration company. They have the equipment and tools necessary to clean and dry up your place.
