Hardwood Floor Water Damage

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Injecti-Dry system used to dry hardwood floor after a water damage

Natural hardwood floors have been a popular flooring choice for homes & businesses alike throughout time.  They can be a bit pricey but they truly are an investment in your home or business.  If properly cared for, quality hard wood floors can be sanded down and refinished resulting in a floor that can last the life of the building.     

Although sturdy they present unique challenges when water damage occurs. Hardwood is naturally porous and easily holds moisture. Having a large amount of water in contact with the floor for a long period of time can be very damaging. The first 24 hours are the most critical. The longer the floor has contact with water the more damage can be done. 

Water can cause the following damage to hardwood:

• Cupping - This is when the edges of the individual planks are slightly raised compared to the center of the board. By a visual exam it will look like the shape of a cup, thus the name cupping.
• Buckling - This is when the floorboards have expanded past their capability. The edges expand upwards at the seams making a peak.

If your hardwood floors become water damaged SERVPRO can help.  We use an Injecti-Dry system on hardwood floors.  This system is extremely quick, easy, and efficient to set up. Injecti-Dry consists of mats and hoses mounted directly to the floor. Hoses are used to extract the moisture out of the seams. A dehumidifier is placed nearby to help combat the humidity given off by this system.

Again, prompt action is essential in saving hardwood floors from water damage.  Some minor cupping can be repaired by sanding down the cupped edges and refinishing the floor, but once buckling occurs, there is nothing that can be done and the floor must be replaced.  

That is why it is important to call SERVPRO as soon as moisture has been detected.