What To Do If Water Under Hardwood Floors

If you are able to remove the water quickly and properly dry to floors you have an excellent chance of saving them or most of them.

What to do if water under hardwood floors. Mopping and toweling may be sufficient but if flooding is severe you may need to use a water pump. Most of the moisture absorbed by a wood floor is not from the top surface but from the bottom. Clean a second time with a wood floor cleaner to be sure all. In humid climates pair a plastic sheet with all other types of underlayments even those that already offer some moisture resistance.

However because of the way it s made the flooring can only be sanded one or two times due to the thin surface layer of hardwood. When it comes to hardwood flooring and water damage expediency is key. Types of underlayments for hardwood flooring the most basic underlayment is a plastic sheet that acts as a moisture barrier. Poor drainage from outside.

If you see damaged grout you need to mix a small amount and replace it as soon as possible which is especially important in areas that are exposed to water from entrance ways. Wood s cellulose fibers rapidly soak up water but release that water more slowly. Not removing the bulk water can cause the floor to continue cupping even after the drying system is in place. Even if you believe your wood floors are so well finished that water cannot penetrate to the raw wood think again.

If you have wood floors the water can damage them so badly by creating a black in color finish if the water seeps in deep enough. The sooner you can attend to your wet floors the better. From there you can sand and refinish the floors. Wood will continue to slowly absorb water if there s a source for it to draw from.

Therefore you should start pulling off the water with your shop vacuum as soon as possible. Dirt and debris will hold the water on the floor and in the pores of the wood. Nails may begin to lift glue may release causing separation between floor pieces and tongue and groove floors often cup or buckle when moisture has been absorbed. From there you can either do the same or a different color for your hardwood.

A flooded hardwood floor can have up to 40 moisture content and can retain well above the normal amount of moisture for weeks if left to dry on it s own. If the standing water comes from the floor then you know the water cut through the entire piece of wood. Damaged grout if the grout becomes damaged on the floor it will give water a chance to slip through the gaps and under the floor. Dry visible water immediately after floors get wet.

Suction up the water and dry the floor as you did before. You won t be able to dry water that has seeped into and underneath the floors but you should immediately start drying the visible water on your floors.