24/7 Emergency ServiceCan Your Hardwood Floors be Saved?
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
One of the biggest concerns our customers have after experiencing water damage in their home is their hardwood floors. Whether you have 200 year old floors or brand new, saving them if possible is a top concern.
How does water damage hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors are susceptible to damage during a flood because wood absorbs moisture from not only it’s surface but also the surrounding air. Exposure to water may result in:
- Cupping – moisture causes the planks to curve downwards
- Crowning – moisture causes the planks to bend upwards
- Buckling – planks lift away from the subfloor altogether
When should you call us?
Call SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington as soon as you discover that your floors have been flooded. The longer the wood is wet, the more likely it is to cup, crown, or buckle. There is also more risk of water getting into the subfloor, damaging levels of the home underneath and a higher chance of fungal growth.
While you are waiting for us to arrive, you should:
If there is a potential that the water is contaminated (Such as from from a river, sewer or toilet), we advise you not touch it until we have arrived. Your safety is always more important than your floors.
However, if the water is from a clean source of water such as an overflowing appliance, you can:
- Use a mop or towels to soak up standing water
- Move rugs, books, magazines, textiles, or any other colored items away from the floor to prevent staining
- Place tin foil under furniture legs to prevent water damage
When we arrive at your home, we will assess the situation by considering:
- How much water is present and how much has sunk into the floor
- Whether the water has penetrated to the sub-floor
- How long the water has been in contact with the floor – it is easier to save floors within 24 hours of the incident
- The category of water – we cannot save floors flooded with blackwater (which contains sewage and other contaminants)