What Happens If My Wooden Floorboards Get Flooded?

The Proper Way to Repair a Water-Damaged Hardwood Floor

• Put on safety equipment including gloves, boots, and a face shield.
• If the flooding was caused by a broken pipe, a malfunctioning washing machine, or a leaking water heater, turn off the water supply.
• Once water has been contained in one room, the power can be restored.
• Evaluate the damage to the floor before beginning the restoration process to determine if it can be cleaned or if it needs to be replaced. Document the damage with photos and a list to submit to your insurance carrier.
• Carpets, furniture, and other things should be moved to a dry location.
• Let moisture to swiftly evaporate by opening windows and doors.
• Wet/dry vacuum cleaners, mops, and old fabric can be used to begin soaking up the surplus moisture. Pump the water out if it's too high. If you need help getting the job done or want to make sure no more harm comes to the property, you should ask for it.
• You can speed up the drying process with the use of dehumidifiers, heaters, and fans. In the flooded area, place them on a raised platform and seal the windows. Focus the blowers down towards the ground.
• When the heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers are on, clean the floors with a nonabrasive brush and soap to remove any dirt and grime. The floor should be rinsed with clean water and the drying process continued.

Quick action can prevent lasting damage and mould growth on a hardwood floor that has been flooded. For fast damage control and effective action, it's advisable to call in the experts at a flood remediation business like PuroClean. The best way to protect your hardwood floors from moisture damage is to study this lesson.

In the event of water damage to a hardwood floor, swift action is required to remove the excess water, assess the damage, and document the findings. After that, air blowing equipment and dehumidifiers will need to be used to clean and dry the floor.

If cupping and crowning are evident after this treatment, a hardwood flooring expert should be called to restore the floor to its original condition.

Hardwood flooring can be successfully restored after flooding depending on reaction time, wood type, moisture level, and the extent of the water damage. Whenever possible, it is better to select a catastrophe restoration firm that has the flexibility to adjust to the circumstances and the resources to supply the necessary specialised equipment for effective drying.

Homeowners can do the following while waiting for service professionals to arrive:

• If you suspect a broken pipe, malfunctioning appliance, or leaking water heater caused the flood, turn off the main water valve.
• Electricity should be cut off to the affected region until the water has dried up.
• Before beginning any repair work, it is crucial to evaluate the situation and choose whether cleaning the floor or replacing it is the best option. Photos and a detailed inventory of the damaged items must be submitted to the insurance company.
• It's a good idea to move everything off the floor (including rugs and chairs) and into a dry area. It's crucial to always use safety equipment like a face mask, goggles, and rubber boots.
• Opening the windows and doors will speed up the evaporation process.
• A wet/dry vacuum or a mop and an old towel should do the trick for the puddles. If the extra liquid is situated in a deep place, a pump could be employed to remove it. There is a direct correlation between the length of time water sits on the floor and the amount of damage mould and mildew can do.
• Dehumidifiers, heaters, and fans are all useful instruments for expediting the drying process. Make sure all windows are closed and locked before moving machinery to higher ground in a flood zone. The best results from the fans will be achieved if they are pointed downwards.
• With a nonabrasive brush and detergent, you should clean the floors of any dirt and debris while the fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers are doing their work. Once the floor has dried completely, it can be mopped with clean water.

Ultimately, a hardwood floor that has been flooded needs immediate care. Check out our range of timber repairs Melbourne at Hitch Property Constructions.

How to Get the Water Out of Your Hardwood Flooring and Get Them Dry After a Flood

Find out where the water is coming from and fix it before it does more damage.

In the event that water (or moisture) keeps seeping into the wood, stopping it will be an uphill battle. Finding the source of the issue and resolving it will prevent further damage to the floors.

Take everything else that could potentially get wet and transfer it out of the room.

If possible, put the affected furniture and other belongings outside in the sun; if not, at least relocate to a different room. Moving the things on a waterproof floor and placing plastic between the floor and the furniture is a good idea if you need to keep them inside because of the weather or because you live in an apartment.

Get rid of the carpet and padding immediately if you have laid hardwood flooring over your subfloor. Here is where mildew and odours initially appear. Also, get rid of the tack strips because they are dangerous if anyone (including children and pets) steps on them. They can rust and turn black in water, which can also stain the wood underneath.

Make use of a wet vacuum to remove any pooling water.

Fast water absorption is essential. A professional mitigation service is your best bet for removing water from your home because they have the necessary expertise and high-tech equipment. Please use this wet vacuum if you decide to tackle this project on your own. It's important to remember that even after the water you can see has been removed, there may still be water in the wood's pores, so you'll need to keep vacuuming. When the wet vacuum is turned on, it continues to draw in water for some time.

Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may also have to take down some drywall and the baseboards. The drywall can soak up water like a sponge, and the moisture can "wick" up the walls by capillary action if this isn't done. Mitigation firms typically remove drywall up to 18 inches higher than the water line.

A Disinfectant Should Be Used to Clean the Area.

Keep in mind that maintaining your hardwood floors involves more than just avoiding mould. A disinfectant that doesn't require rinsing off with water is recommended (e.g. Mr Clean). When you're done, use the wet vacuum once more to get rid of any lingering moisture.

A Dehumidifier Should Be Used.

Center the room with a dehumidifier. One is great, but more than one is much better. Don't forget to drain the water every few hours (and make sure the filter is clean as well). Run the dehumidifier for at least 24 hours; depending on the severity of the water, you may need to leave it on for as long as three days. A dehumidifier may be needed for an extended period of time, in some instances.

Until the floors are completely dry, please limit traffic in the area. They'll dry more quickly and uniformly if you do this.

Add Some Big Fans to the Mix (And Air Conditioning)

The use of fans can speed up the drying process. Direct the fans downwards. Additionally, crack the windows open about two inches for some fresh air and ventilation (and keep the door open). Because of this, additional ventilation will be produced and excess moisture will be able to evaporate. (If it's raining or really humid outside, keep the windows shut and keep the doors to other rooms open and use a dehumidifier). Turn the fans up to eleven (or full blast) and direct them down; oscillating fans are ideal.

Don't switch off the air conditioner if you have it (or turn it on). USE NO HEAT WHATSOEVER. Cracking and cupping can be brought on by extreme heat. Avoid it at all costs because it raises the humidity and encourages mould growth.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should clean your fans and remove any dust before you use them. Make sure no cords or outlets are near the water.

You Should Dry Out the Sub-Floor if There Is One Underneath the Water Affected Area.

Some of the water may have seeped into the sub-flooring below the hardwood, so you'll need to dry that out as well. An unfinished ceiling in a room below the damaged area is ideal for this purpose. It would be a good idea to install fans in this space as well (and, if there are windows here, to open them if it's not raining). Dehumidify the space if necessary by bringing in an additional unit.

What if a few planks begin to buckle and pop?

If the wood has buckled or you can't walk across it because of swelling, you should remove a couple of boards so that the moisture doesn't soak through the plywood flooring and cause more damage. The sub-floor will benefit from the increased airflow and reduced stress.

After the floor has dried to the touch, look for any evidence of mildew or mould.

You should quickly clean the floors with a mixture of baking soda and water if you notice (or smell) any evidence of mould or mildew. Talking to a mold/remediation expert wouldn't hurt, either. Remember that I'm not a mould expert. But I do know that it flourishes in wet places, especially when it's warm. If you have it or think you might have it, it's best to err on the side of caution here. Some of the hardwood may need to be cut out, and a mould expert may need to be called in.

Use a moisture metre.

Keep in mind that your floors may not be completely dry for up to six weeks. Before sanding the floors, make sure they are completely dry and level. Otherwise, the wood may continue to compress and the flooring may not cure correctly, causing a host of problems. Having to sand and refinish them a second time (which, of course, will cost more money and wear down your wood) is a possibility if this occurs.

Refinish your wood flooring by sanding them.

Sanding and refinishing the floors is typically required at this stage. Because water is so abrasive, the polyurethane flooring is frequently damaged to the point where parts of it must be replaced (sometimes just a few pieces of wood need to be woven in).

You should refinish the flooring immediately (especially if this is paid by your insurance company) because even if any polyurethane is left on them, it is likely considerably thinner and slightly compromised and won't last too long. Hitch Property Constructions has a wide range of leak detection Melbourne services.

The good news is that sanding and refinishing are viable options for most water-damaged floors. Minor cupping will usually stick out during the treatment process. Many of the damaged floors I've seen can still be repaired. Most of the time, we simply have to replace and weave in a few tiny bits. Keep in mind that this is contingent upon the level of water absorption and the rate at which the floors dry. Get the advice of an expert by calling them in.

Conclusion

Hardwood flooring can be salvaged if water is removed and the surface is allowed to dry properly, but it is not a good idea to let water pool on a hardwood floor. Hardwood floors cannot withstand any moisture and should be dried as soon as possible to limit the amount of damage. Safety equipment, dehumidifiers, heaters, and fans should be used to speed up the drying process, and the floor should be rinsed with clean water and soap. The best way to protect hardwood floors from moisture damage is to quickly remove excess water, assess the damage, and document the findings. Dehumidifiers, heaters, and fans are essential for drying hardwood floors after a flood, and it is important to find out where the water is coming from and fix it before it does more damage.

A professional mitigation service is the best option for removing water from a home, and a dehumidifier and disinfectant should be used to clean the area. Fans can speed up the drying process and crack the windows open for fresh air and ventilation. The most important details are to avoid extreme heat, clean fans, dry out sub-flooring, remove planks, and talk to a mold/remediation expert. Sanding and refinishing are viable options for most water-damaged floors, but minor cupping may stick out. Get the advice of an expert.

Content Summary

1. If your hardwood floors have been damaged by water (whether from flooding or a spill), you should take immediate action to remove the water and dry the floors.
2. Hardwood floors can be refinished for a fraction of the cost of new flooring.
3. It's not a good idea to let water pool on a hardwood floor.
4. Even though sealers and waxes are meant to make wood floors more water resistant, they cannot totally prevent moisture absorption.
5. If you want to limit the amount of damage to your floors, drying them as soon as possible is mandatory.
6. If your home or business has been flooded or damaged by a catastrophic plumbing catastrophe, the wood flooring should be dried as soon as possible.
7. For fast damage control and effective action, it's advisable to call in the experts at a flood remediation business like PuroClean.
8. In the event of water damage to a hardwood floor, swift action is required to remove the excess water, assess the damage, and document the findings.
9. After that, air blowing equipment and dehumidifiers will need to be used to clean and dry the floor.
10. Hardwood flooring can be successfully restored after flooding depending on reaction time, wood type, moisture level, and the extent of the water damage.
11. Make sure all windows are closed and locked before moving machinery to higher ground in a flood zone.
12. With a nonabrasive brush and detergent, you should clean the floors of any dirt and debris while the fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers are doing their work.
13. Once the floor has dried completely, it can be mopped with clean water.
14. Finding the source of the issue and resolving it will prevent further damage to the floors.
15. Get rid of the carpet and padding immediately if you have laid hardwood flooring over your subfloor.
16. A professional mitigation service is your best bet for removing water from your home because they have the necessary expertise and high-tech equipment.
17. When the wet vacuum is turned on, it continues to draw in water for some time.
18. Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may also have to take down some drywall and the baseboards.
19. Center the room with a dehumidifier.
20. Until the floors are completely dry, please limit traffic in the area.
21. Don't switch off the air conditioner if you have it (or turn it on).
22. Some of the water may have seeped into the sub-flooring below the hardwood, so you'll need to dry that out as well.
23. An unfinished ceiling in a room below the damaged area is ideal for this purpose.
24. After the floor has dried to the touch, look for any evidence of mildew or mould.
25. You should quickly clean the floors with a mixture of baking soda and water if you notice (or smell) any evidence of mould or mildew.
26. Some of the hardwood may need to be cut out, and a mould expert may need to be called in.
27. Keep in mind that your floors may not be completely dry for up to six weeks.
28. Before sanding the floors, make sure they are completely dry and level.
29. Refinish your wood flooring by sanding them.
30. Sanding and refinishing the floors is typically required at this stage.
31. Because water is so abrasive, the polyurethane flooring is frequently damaged to the point where parts of it must be replaced (sometimes just a few pieces of wood need to be woven in).You should refinish the flooring immediately (especially if this is paid by your insurance company) because even if any polyurethane is left on them, it is likely considerably thinner and slightly compromised and won't last too long.
32. The good news is that sanding and refinishing are viable options for most water-damaged floors.