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Keeping your hardwood floors protected from water damage is an important part of their maintenance and care. However, sometimes water issues happen, like a leaky pipe or accidental spills, without your awareness.
Water damage to wood flooring can be expensive to repair. It is especially costly if the damage has caused structural problems. The cost of repairing water damage will depend on the type of wood used and the amount of damage done.
Water Damage
Water is a common cause of damage to hardwood floors. It can happen because of spills, excess humidity or even a plumbing leak.
It is essential to take prompt action after a flood or leak so that the damage can be minimized and the floor can be restored. It is also important to prevent further damage by keeping the area dry.
A key issue to watch for when your hardwood floor gets wet is cupping or crowning. Cupping happens when water saturates the bottom of the board and causes it to expand more than the top.
Crowning is similar to cupping but the boards have a higher point in the center. This results in a wavy appearance to the floor and each course of wood is raised at the seams.
When your hardwood floor suffers from water damage, it is important to call a professional restoration company right away. This will help to limit further damage and keep mold growth from occurring.
Mold Growth
Hardwood floors, especially when they aren’t refinished often, can suffer from water damage that causes mold growth. This can occur after spills that aren’t quickly and completely cleaned up, or even after a flood that caused the flooring to absorb excess water.
If you notice mold on or underneath the floors, call professionals as soon as possible. They’ll be able to remove the mold and make sure that it doesn’t spread.
You can also prevent mold from growing on your hardwood floors by not spilling water on them and keeping the area clean and dry. In addition, be sure to keep your home well ventilated to help prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Mold that’s grown on wood that was not cleaned up or dried properly can be a health risk and will require professional treatment from a mold remediation expert in Baltimore. Mold spores can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.
Structural Repairs
When water infiltrates a home, it can cause significant damage to almost everything. Among the most common issues are mold, wood warping and structural problems that can lead to a drooping ceiling or uneven floors.
Fortunately, there are many reputable restoration companies in Baltimore that can help with these emergencies. You’ll want to choose one that provides 24-hour service, guarantees its work, offers free estimates and works directly with insurance.
In addition to removing standing water and cleaning up the affected area, a good company will take steps to prevent the problem from happening again. These include containing and drying out affected areas, ensuring that the air is dry and sanitizing personal belongings.
Depending on the extent of the damage, hardwood flooring can be saved or replaced entirely. However, if a floor is mostly buckled or fully damaged, then it may not be possible to restore it.
Refinishing
When water is left on hardwood floors for a long period of time, the wood can absorb it and damage it. This can happen if a sink overflows or an appliance leaks.
In many cases, refinishing can help bring back the beauty of hardwood floors. It can also repair discolored spots and stains from spills or pet accidents.
A professional water damage company can provide an assessment and recommend whether refinishing is the best option. However, with more severe water damage, replacement may be the better choice.
When a hardwood floor has been damaged by water, the first thing you should do is dry it out. Using fans and dehumidifiers can help.
