Water damaged floor repair is a common outcome after water inundation strikes. Whatever the source of water damage may be, the flooring in a house is often a prominent casualty of it. Here are five frequently asked questions and answers to help you make decisions about water damaged floor repair.
How does water affect flooring?
Hardwood floors—including engineered hardwood and wood laminate—are naturally porous and susceptible to water damage. While most tile flooring is initially water-resistant, as hours elapse, water may seep between squares and underneath, causing tiles to loosen and detach. Conversely, vinyl sheet flooring typically installed in kitchens and bathrooms is generally waterproof, although peeling may occur around the edges at the baseboards.
What are the potential consequences of water damage to a floor?
Depending on the material, you may see dimensional changes, including warping, swelling, and buckling of floor planks, as well as loosened tiles. Discoloration and staining may also occur if the floor material is exposed to water for long. Mold growth on and/or beneath flooring is another common consequence.
What's the most critical factor to minimize water damage to a floor?
Fast, professional water removal and drying. Time isn't on your side; the longer standing water remains on a floor, the greater the likelihood of permanent damage that may require replacement of some or all flooring. As the hours pass, the requirement for professional water damage floor repair becomes more and more urgent.
What about the subfloor?
If water is removed and effective drying techniques are applied quickly, penetration to the plywood subfloor below may be avoided or at least limited. Once the subfloor is saturated, however, flooring materials must be removed and the subfloor dried (or portions cut out) to prevent mold growth and rotting.
Should I repair or replace it?
Deciding factors include answers to the following. How long was the floor exposed to water? Is it solid hardwood or engineered hardwood? Has water seeped into the subfloor? If only a few planks in a wood floor require replacement, can you accurately match the original stain colors so they blend in?
