If your wood floor has been soaked with water, whether the cause was a flood, a leaky pipe or something else, you may be able to minimize the damage so you don’t have to replace the whole thing. This guide explains.
Can You Fix a Water-Damaged Wood Floor?
Though water damage is nearly always serious – and almost always poses the risk of mold growth – there may be things you can do to minimize the amount of damage (and your cost to make repairs) by taking the following actions:
- Call a water damage restoration expert immediately.
- Remove water as soon as you can.
- Dry the area with professional equipment.
- Clean the area to remove contaminants.
Here’s a closer look at each.
Step 1 to Fix a Water-Damaged Wood Floor: Call a Water Damage Remediation Expert Immediately
Your best bet is to call a water damage restoration expert as soon as you can. Professionals have the tools and knowledge necessary to minimize damage and make adequate repairs.
Step 2 to Fix a Water-Damaged Wood Floor: Remove Water as Soon as You Can
If there’s standing water, get rid of it as soon as possible. The longer your wood floor remains soaked, the more extensive the damage may be.
Step 3 to Fix a Water-Damaged Wood Floor: Dry the Area With Professional Equipment
If you’ve elected not to call a water damage remediation expert, you’ll need to find high-quality equipment to dry the area as well as you can. You should run dehumidifiers and heaters to draw water up and out of the wood – but keep in mind the flooring materials beneath the wood may also be wet, which can eventually lead to mold growth.
Related: Mold removal vs. mold remediation
Step 4 to Fix a Water-Damaged Wood Floor: Clean the Area to Remove Contaminants
Wood is absorbent – even treated wood – which means that dirt and organic materials can penetrate it when it’s soaked through. Contaminants lead to potential mold growth, which means you must deep-clean the wood floor after all the moisture is removed.
Related: Mold FAQ
Do You Need a Disaster Remediation Expert in Washtenaw County or Jackson County?
If your home has already been damaged, we can help. Check out our services and call Exact Recon for your free disaster remediation quote today. We offer:
