Hardwood floors have a natural look and feel, but they are also reactive to water damage. Whether it’s caused by a leaky pipe, appliance malfunction, or severe weather, water on hardwood floors can be an ordeal. Central Mass Hardwood provides hardwood floor repair and replacement services for homeowners throughout Massachusetts. In this guide, we will cover the different types of water damage, when to do DIY repairs, and when to work with a local contractor.
Common Signs That Your Hardwood Floor Has Water Damage
Water damage can have a nearly immediate physical manifestation on hardwood floors. Seeing or feeling water on your floors may be the first signal of damage, and it’s important to act fast.
Changes in moisture levels affect the appearance of hardwood floors. If any of these signs are evident on your floor, water damage is likely.
Discoloration. Dark stains signal that water has seeped into and tarnished the wood.
Cupping. When wood has dipped lower than the edges into a concave shape, it’s likely that moisture has entered the subfloor.
Crowning. The opposite of cupping, when the center of the hardwood becomes raised over the edges due to improper drying, is a sign of moisture retention.
Odors. Musty odors suggest that moisture has reached underneath the wood and grown mold or mildew.
Loose or Uneven Boards. Wood that is soft, loose, or beginning to separate often indicates damage.
If you are noticing any of these signs on your floors, inspect the affected area as soon as possible.
What Should You Do When You Notice Water Damage
Water damage worsens the longer water sits on an area. The sooner you identify the damage, the higher the chance you have of repairing it. The first step to treating water damage is identifying the source. Look around for any dripping faucet, water spill, or leaky pipe. Mitigate the damage by stopping the water and wiping up excess water from the area.
Once you know the water is shut off and the area is dry, start to dry out the area. Remove any other damaged materials or items such as rugs, furniture, or drywall, and bring in fans to dry out the area. As the floor dries, pay attention to signs of damage. Make sure that you let the floors dry completely before taking any steps to fix damage.
Can You Fix Water-Damaged Hardwood Floors with DIY Methods?
Minor cosmetic damage such as light staining, mild warping, and discoloration may be able to be fixed at home through sanding or wood staining. However, significant damage, such as subfloors or support beams, will need a professional. Regardless, avoid DIY fixes too soon after the damage. Sanding or other fixes could make the floor worse by trapping moisture inside.
When Should You Call a Professional To Help with Hardwood Floor Repair?
While minor spills may be able to be fixed independently, many cases of water damage need to be assessed by a professional to prevent permanent effects. A flooring professional can perform moisture testing to determine the moisture content of your floor and subfloor and determine whether repair is possible for the floors. If your floors have significant warping, staining, or loose boards separating from the subfloor, it’s time to get an expert involved.
Damage from floods needs to be evaluated by a professional, as the water could be contaminated. Water present for long periods of time (over 24 hours) should also be handled by a flooring expert, because the floors could have hidden moisture and growth beneath the surface.
Contact Central Mass Hardwood For Hardwood Installation & Replacement
Whatever the cause or significance of the water damage, the team at Central Mass Hardwood is here to restore your floors to their best condition. Since 1996, we’ve been committed to providing the highest quality of hardwood installation, refinishing, and repairs in New England.
Contact us today online or at 508-460-0199 to set up an assessment with our team of expert craftsmen.
