Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful and durable investments you can make in your property. But, like everything in life, they might not last forever if not treated properly, especially during the summer months, when excess moisture is at its peak.
If your precious investment is showing signs of water damage, like discoloration or cupping, don’t fret. Our specialists have gathered 10 simple tips on how to fix hardwood floor water damage to help you restore your flooring to its’ former glory.
1. Act Quickly
Water damage is one of those issues you simply can’t wait for it to go away on its own. Avoid costly repair jobs by acting quickly, whether it’s a small amount or a lot. The longer the liquid sits on your flooring, the more harmful it is for your investment. So, as soon as you notice water on the surface, remove it.
2. Remove Standing Water
Attention to detail is essential for this step. If your floors are flooded, remove as much water as possible with a wet or dry vacuum and mop the surface. Be as thorough as you can, especially in corners or crevices, since that’s where the liquid penetrates the most. This will help you prevent further absorption and swelling of the wood.
3. Dry the Area
So you’ve ensured you’ve removed the excess water from the affected area, but that’s sadly not enough to repair water damage. Since hardwood floors are an extremely porous material, they will soak up any remaining moisture in the environment. We recommend opening windows and doors to promote ventilation, and if you have dehumidifiers and fans at the ready, use them to speed up the process.
4. Inspect for Mold
Mold and mildew are nightmares to deal with once they have taken place in your property. A wood floor with water damage might lead to mold growth, so keep an eye out for signs of its presence on your investment.
Typically, key giveaways of mildew or mold in a room are a musty smell, discoloration or strange stains, and a change in the texture of your floor. If you find any of these in your home, address it immediately by calling a professional.
5. Remove Damaged Boards
Cracking and splitting boards are effects of water damage that, sadly, have no other saving than replacing them whole. If certain parts of your investment show these symptoms, there’s only one way how to fix water damage in hardwood floors: remove them completely.
Use a crowbar for this step and carefully pry up the board, then take their dimensions so you can substitute them for new ones. Our specialists will be more than happy to assist you with this project!
6. Sand and Refinish
Okay, but what if you’re dealing with just a tiny bit of water damage? Do you seriously need to replace them all together? The good news is that, no, there are other methods to try if your investment hasn’t reached the no-return point: sanding and refinishing. Sand the area to remove discoloration and rough spots, and then apply a new coat of finish to match the rest of your flooring. You’ll have a perfect floor in no time!
7. Use Wood Filler
Does your flooring have small cracks or holes? The other way to fix a hardwood floor after water damage is to use a wood filler. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly, from the application to the moment it dries. Once you’ve ensured this, sand it down to smooth out the surface.
8. Replace the Boards
So you had to remove your floorboards, and now you need to replace them. Buy new ones at your preferred hardware store, but remember to follow the same dimensions as the ones at home, or else you risk swelling and gapping (or worse, for it to not fit at all). To install them, you will need nails or adhesive. Complete the process by sanding and finishing them.
9. Seal the Floor
One of our last tips on how to fix water-damaged hardwood floors is to seal them. This is a great solution that will protect your investment from further damage in the future since it acts as a barrier between your floor and moisture. Apply a top-notch sealant to the entire flooring, and be mindful of the mended areas.
10. Prevent Future Damage
It’s true that we can’t control the environment, but we can prepare ourselves to prevent accidental water damage. Follow our summer maintenance guide to reduce moisture content in your home, and remember to always remove surface water or liquids from your investment as soon as possible.
This will guarantee that your investment is safe throughout the seasons and that you can enjoy gorgeous flooring for many years to come!
Let Us Restore Your Wood Floor To Its’ Former Glory!
The key to fixing hardwood floor water damage is acting promptly. Whether a small glass of juice hits the surface or your entire flooring floods from a faulty leak, don’t put off the problem until later. Pay close attention to our tips, and soon enough, you’ll have a striking investment once again!
Need extra assistance with your damaged floor? Our specialists at Davila Floors & Tile can perform all the repairs your flooring requires to become beautiful again. We’ll assess the situation and provide reliable, swift solutions at competitive rates and with a hassle-free, 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Give us a call today to discuss the details of your repair or replacement project!