There is something about hardwood floors that oozes elegance and sophistication. Maybe it is how they reflect light or feel warm and inviting underfoot. Whatever the reason, hardwood floors are a thing of beauty.

Water damage can cause your hardwood floor to swell and balloon because the wood absorbs the moisture and expands. When this happens, the floor can become uneven and start to warp. If you notice any of these problems with your floor, it is essential to take action immediately. The earlier you address the water damage, the easier it will be to fix it.

Water damage can be classified as either superficial or severe. Superficial water damage is easy to fix and often requires wiping off the excess water and treating the light stain with simple household remedies. However, suppose the water damage is more severe, and moisture has penetrated through the finish and affected the condition of the floorboards. In that case, you may have to decide whether it is worth repairing or replacing the floor entirely.

How Does Hardwood React to Increased Moisture?

There are some things to note regarding hardwood and moisture. First, hardwood is a natural material that will absorb and release moisture depending on the relative humidity of its environment. Second, hardwood is not impervious to water damage, so it is essential to take precautions to protect it from excessive moisture.

Wood is susceptible to changes in moisture levels. When the humidity in a room increases, the wood floorboards may swell or shrink. It can cause the finish to become damaged, and the floorboards may warp or break.

The main issue with water damage is that it weakens the floorboards and makes them more vulnerable to breaking and other forms of damage. In extreme cases, the floorboards can even start to rot and crumble. It is why it is crucial to address any moisture issues as soon as possible and take steps to prevent moisture damage in the future.

What Should You Do?

If you have water-damaged hardwood floors, the first thing you should do is call a professional. They can assess the damage and determine the best course of action. Simultaneously, you should find the source of the leak and stop it. Once the leak is stopped, you can start the drying process. 

The floors can be saved in some cases, but in others, they may need to be replaced. Kindly remember to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done, and the more expensive the repairs will be.

How to Treat Superficial Water Damage? 

Water damage can be a big problem, especially if not dealt with immediately. If you have superficial water damage, there are a few things you can do to treat it and prevent it from getting worse. First, you want to remove any excess water. Use a wet/dry vacuum, mop, and bucket to remove as much water as possible.

Next, you want to dry the area thoroughly. Use fans, dehumidifiers, or air movers to dry the area thoroughly. Once the place is dry, you want to clean it to prevent mold and mildew from growing. You can use a commercial cleaner or a mixture of bleach and water.

Conclusion

If you have water-damaged hardwood floors, the best course of action is to call a professional to assess the damage and determine the best way to proceed. Depending on the extent of the damage, the floors may need to be refinished, replaced, or repaired.

If you are uncertain how to fix the water damage, you should contact AAA Restoration Utah. We offer top-notch flood repair to Utah residents. Please do not waste another minute; contact us now to fix the problem.