What to Do When Hardwood Floors Get Wet
- Cut Off the Water Source. The first thing you need to do when hardwood floors get wet is to figure out what’s causing...
- Use a Wet Vacuum Cleaner. To save your hardwood floors from water damage, you’ll want to get rid of as much water as you...
- Break Out Dehumidifiers and Fans. A wet vacuum is the most efficient way to suck up a...
- Dry the floor out. When wood gets wet, it has to be dried out, which can be done in three ways. The quick way: ...
- Sand and refinish. Once the floor has been dried out, hire a professional like Totta Hardwood Flooring to come sand and refinish your floor.
What should I do if my wood floors get wet?
The sooner you can attend to your wet floors, the better. Wood's cellulose fibers rapidly soak up water but release that water more slowly. Therefore, you should start pulling off the water with your shop vacuum as soon as possible.
How do you get water out of hardwood floors?
Wood's cellulose fibers rapidly soak up water but release that water more slowly. Therefore, you should start pulling off the water with your shop vacuum as soon as possible. Even if you believe your wood floors are so well-finished that water cannot penetrate to the raw wood, think again.
Can water damage my hardwood floors?
Here are some tips and observations on how to spot, prevent and minimize the damage that water can cause to your hardwood floors. The first thing to mention is that your wood floor’s polyurethane coating is specifically intended to keep water and dirt from ever touching the wood.
How to fix moisture damage to hardwood floors?
The first step would be to fix the source of the moisture on your floor to prevent any further bubbles and swelling that can spread the damage to new planks. This will ensure normal moisture levels. Once the floor has dried you can now start spot-repairs to fix minor damage on individual hardwood planks.
Can you repair water-damaged hardwood floors?
For many water-damaged wood floors, the best way to repair the damage is to eliminate and replace the affected boards and then to refinish the entire floor. The proper way to replace planks in a wood floor takes time and the expertise of a craftsman.
How do you get moisture out of hardwood floors?
Use a dehumidifier placed at the highest setting possible to dry the floors. Place it in the center of the room and leave it on for at least 24 hours. Next, place fans around the room so the entire surface receives the blowing air. Place the fans at the highest settings possible.
Can wet hardwood floors be saved?
If you remove the water from your hardwood floors quickly and properly dry them, you may be able to save the wood (or most of it). Most likely, you will need to sand and refinish the wood afterwards, and then your floors will look (almost) brand new.
What happens when water gets under hardwood floors?
Your wood floors and the area beneath them may take weeks or even months to fully dry. However, it's worth the wait, as some floors will return to their original shape once they're dried. They may need a surface sanding and re-nailing, but that's much less trouble than replacing your floor.
What draws moisture out of wood?
Place a dehumidifier in the center of the room once all of the standing water is removed. Set it to the highest extraction setting possible. Turn it on and leave it running for at least 24 hours to pull moisture from the boards. Place fans blowing across the surface to further aid in drying the wood out.
How long does it take for water to damage wood floors?
If you have wood floors, you don't want any liquid to sit on that surface for too long - it may warp the wood. If it's a major flood sitting on your wood floors, you ideally want that taken care of within 24 hours.
Will warped wood floor go back to normal?
Cupped flooring looks bad but it's almost always reversible. It can usually be corrected by simply restoring proper humidity inside the room, which will help balance out the moisture above and below the flooring.
How do you fix swollen wood?
One notable solution in fixing swollen wood furniture is by drying it thoroughly before anything else. You can remove the moisture by letting it sit under direct sunlight for at least 24 hours rather than using artificial means such as a hairdryer or blower.
Will wet wood dry out?
Remember this at the outset: Wood can't dry out if it is covered by something wet or if water incursion is still occurring. You have to expose wet wood so air can circulate around it and address the source of the moisture before the drying process can start.
How do I know if my wood floor has mold?
Discoloured, distorted, and warped floorboards are a strong indicator that you have a mould problem. Mould often appears as discoloration, staining, or a fuzzy coloured growth on wooden floorboards. In most cases, a mould infestation follows a simple flooding incident in the house.
How long does it take hardwood floors to dry after flood?
Drying the hardwood floor (patience is key) It may also be necessary to access the floor from below for faster drying. Effective drying of a hardwood floor is a slow process. It will sometimes take seven to 10 days for the floor to release enough water to halt the forced drying process.
How long does it take for mold to grow on wood floors?
48-72 hoursResponse Time Mold can grow in as little as 48-72 hours on almost all household material if the moisture level is 16% or higher. Be quick to call a professional to help – don't put it off until later.
Does baking soda absorb moisture from wood?
Open all cabinet doors and remove drawers to allow fresh air to circulate. Liberally sprinkle baking soda inside the furniture to help absorb the moisture from the wood. 2. Use a fan to blow air over the piece, or place furniture in a bathroom with a dehumidifier.
How long does it take for wet hardwood floors to dry?
It may also be necessary to access the floor from below for faster drying. Effective drying of a hardwood floor is a slow process. It will sometimes take seven to 10 days for the floor to release enough water to halt the forced drying process.
How do you dry out wood?
Put the wood in a well-ventilated area such as an open room or near a vent. Spread it out as much as possible to allow warm air in your home to circulate through, thus drying the wood. If you have the time, you should leave it for at least two days.
Will cupped hardwood floors flatten out over time?
In some cases, if the cupping was not severe the flooring may flatten to an acceptable level with minor gapping after drying. Remember the flooring has lost moisture so some shrinkage will result. Before any repair or remediation the flooring should be checked for looseness.
An Ounce of Prevention Is Cheaper Than The Cost of Repairing Your Wood Floor
The first thing to mention is that your wood floor’s polyurethane coating is specifically intended to keep water and dirt from ever touching the wo...
How Can I Tell If I Have Water Damage on My Wood Floors?
The damaging effect of water on wood builds over time. By the time you notice a change in your wood floor, the water has already hurt the floor. On...
Where Did The Water Come from?
Before you try to repair the damage, the first question to ask is “where did the water come from?” An occasional spill won’t cause mold to form or...
The Type of Wood Flooring You Have Affects The Repair Options Available
As suggested in the Wood Flooring 101 section of our website, the type of wood flooring you have limits the range of possible repairs for your wood...
Sanding and Refinishing Water Damaged Flooring
Water-damaged boards that suffer from mild cupping or simple surface staining can be sanded down in the field, re-stained and re-coated. While this...
Replacing Damaged Flooring by Weaving in New Planks
For many water-damaged wood floors, the best way to repair the damage is to eliminate and replace the affected boards and then to refinish the enti...
How Do You Fix Buckled Hardwood Floor?
Buckling may be caused by minor or extensive damage to your floor. Here’s how to fix bowing damaged hardwood floors.
Why do hardwood floors warp?
If there is one worst enemy to wood floors, it got to be moisture. When hardwood floors get exposed to moisture for an extended period, they start to warp and get damaged. But, how do you fix the warping on hardwood floors?
Why do you need to remove planks from a floor?
You may need to remove the damaged planks from the floor if the moisture has caused irreparable warping and buckling. Do it carefully to avoid damaging the other wood planks. Depending on the extent of moisture damage, you may remove part of the plank or the whole plank.
Why does my laminate floor buckle?
Moisture generally triggers floorboards expanding, contracting and at the end lift up after water saturation. Warping problems also may occur and affect your laminate floor. Do laminate expand and contact? This also does cause buckling in laminate and other solid hardwood floors.
How to tell if hardwood floor is buckling?
Signs of buckling hardwood floor. Lifting up or actual pull up from the sub-floor can be a green-light for buckling damage. Puffed-up areas on the floor or crowning, especially in moisture damage areas. Wood floor cupping or when boards turn up on the edges. Gap and cracks between hardwood planks.
How to replace warped wood planks?
For this step, you will need new hardwood planks to replace the warped ones you removed. Ensure the color, finish, and shine are the same for better consistency. Measure the plank needed and cut off the plank that fits the cut damaged piece.
Why does moisture build up?
Moisture build-up may start as a result of simple water spills, especially if not immediately wiped up.
How does wood change color?
First, wood flooring changes color over time as sunlight darkens or lightens the wood, depending on the species. When you sand a floor, the original color of the wood is often revealed and even when the exact same stain is applied, can appear a slightly different color.
Why does my dishwasher leak water?
For some reason, the plastic, flexible drain hoses are so cheaply made that within a few years, cracks can form that drip water down to the floor.
Why do plastic hoses crack?
Because the plastic hoses must make a bend or two, and are often longer than required, tight bends will crack over time, creating a hidden leak that can ruin your wood floor. No matter what the source of the water, the leak must be found and fixed before repairs to the flooring can be made.
Can you remove a wood plank from a subfloor?
Removing the affected hardwood planks is just the first step in mapping out the flooring to be repaired. As the top layer of wood is removed, the plywood subfloor must also be inspected to insure its integrity. If the subfloor is moldy or substantially weakened by the water, then the hardwood top layer must be pulled off, even if it appears unaffected by the water.
Can you use prefinished wood flooring?
However, if you’re replacing the damaged boards, using pre-finished flooring can make the task easier as the stain and protective coating, applied at the factory, improve both quality and consistency. It is important to note that replacing damaged planks with native materials is the surest way to guarantee a match. You should always keep some attic stock from any wood floors that you have installed.
Do you have to remove planks from existing flooring?
Just as important, because new wood will be weaved or laced into the existing flooring, rather than simply cutting in a rectangular patch from the affected area, the flooring contractor must remove planks selectively in a natural looking pattern to provide the most seamless repair possible.
Can water get into wood flooring?
That being said, water is an insidious foe of wood flooring and even if the polyurethane is in good shape, a continuous drip of water from an unknown source will find a way into the wood.
How long does it take for a warped hardwood board to flatten out?
A slightly warped hardwood board can often be flattened out by placing something heavy on it for a few days until the board loses its tendency to curl.
Can you remove warp from a board?
If applying weight or face nailing can't get rid of the warp, you will need to remove and replace the damaged boards.
Is painter's tape good for hardwood floors?
Painter's tape. Hardwood floors are a great choice for home flooring. Not only do they look good, they're easy to care for, resist wear and they're even eco-friendly. However, hardwood flooring does have one draw back, it can't stand up to prolonged exposure to water, so if water is allowed to stay on a hardwood floor the wood will be damaged ...
Can you remove black stain from hardwood?
Unfortunately hardwood often dries with a very noticeable black stain. Sometimes the stain is just on the surface, but it could go all the way through the board in which case the stained board will need to be replaced. Removing a black surface stain is a three step process.
What to call if your hardwood floor gets wet?
If your hardwood floor gets wet, don’t hesitate to call Purity Cleaning and Restoration Services at (406) 642-3545.
Is it thoroughly dry?
Purity Cleaning and Restoration Services, Inc. uses moisture meters to take readings of the affected areas. Though your hardwood floor might feel dry to the touch, a moisture meter will tell if there is still moisture beneath the surface. Moisture left unaddressed can lead to warping and structural damage in the floor as well as mold growth which can be a health hazard. You can rest assured that with Purity Cleaning and Restoration Services, our job is not complete until your home is thoroughly dried.
Cut Off the Water Source
The first thing you need to do when hardwood floors get wet is to figure out what’s causing them to get wet in the first place. This is easy if you spilled a drink or walked inside with wet shoes. But sometimes, the source of water damage to your hardwood isn’t so easy to ascertain.
Use a Wet Vacuum Cleaner
To save your hardwood floors from water damage, you’ll want to get rid of as much water as you can as quickly as possible. Rags or paper towels are inefficient at this. Wet vacuum cleaners are a far better way to tackle liquid spills.
Break Out Dehumidifiers and Fans
A wet vacuum is the most efficient way to suck up a lot of water fast. But it won’t handle everything. Once you’ve finished vacuuming, you’re going to want to use a dehumidifier to eliminate some ambient moisture in the room. Simply place it in the affected area and let it run for at least a full day.
Refinish Your Floors
Even after you’ve dried up all the water to the best of your ability, your floors might need some professional attention. Polyurethane does have some water resistance, but it will generally need to be replaced after prolonged contact with water. Some boards may have taken on permanent water damage, despite your best efforts.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 16 years.
How to get mold off of painted wood?
After scraping off the paint, scrub the wood with an abrasive cleaner, such as Barkeeper's Friend, or use a TSP-water solution with an added cup of ordinary laundry bleach per gallon of water. Dry the floor as described above after cleaning.
How to get rid of mold on a carpet?
Scrub affected areas with the solution until the mold and mold discoloration are gone, then rinse with clear water, and dry the surface with an absorbent cloth.
What is laminate flooring made of?
The majority of a laminate flooring plank is made with wood pulp, much like particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). This material is highly vulnerable to water damage and swells when it gets soaked, ruining the integrity of the material. Most laminate flooring that is water-damaged must be replaced.
How long has Lee been remodeling?
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.
Can you heat up hardwood floors?
It is important to dry the floor steadily but slowly. Wood flooring dried too quickly can crack. Do not apply heat to the hardwood flooring, as this can result in splitting, cupping, and other problems.
Can you sand a wood floor flat?
After drying a wood floor, you may have some concave or convex floorboards; this is called "cupping." Heavy sanding with a drum or orbital sander can actually "take down" some minor high areas. However, heavily cupped wood cannot be sanded down flat. It is inevitable that some floorboards may lift up completely at the ends. In this case, face-nail the floorboards back down.
Can water penetrate wood floors?
Even if you believe your wood floors are so well-finished that water cannot penetrate to the raw wood, think again. Wood floors have many infiltration points besides the top layer: between seams, through breaks in the coating, under baseboards, through heating registers, and a host of other areas.
What Happens when Engineered Wood Floors Get Wet?
Over time, if left exposed to water or moisture, a number of serious issues can arise, including:
Why is it so hard to repair engineered floors?
Once this happens, repairing water-affected engineered floors can be difficult, because the thin layer of hardwood on top isn’t as resistant to sanding as solid hardwood.
Will Water Ruin Engineered Hardwood Flooring Every Time?
While water won’t necessarily ruin your engineered hardwood flooring every time, most engineered flooring has a softwood core that is not water resistant, and when it absorbs enough water it will start to expand, causing issues like cupping or buckling.
How thick is engineered hardwood?
Whereas cupping or buckling can be sanded down with solid hardwood, engineered hardwood’s top layer is only so thick, usually between 0.1-0.3 of an inch.
What does it mean when engineered wood flooring is bubbling?
If bubbling is occurring on your water-damaged engineered wood flooring, it means water has gotten between the top layer and the core of your flooring, and there isn’t much hope for repair.
What is bubbling in hardwood flooring?
Similar to delamination, bubbling is when sections of the top layer of hardwood begin to separate from the core underneath, though in the case of bubbling they will begin to rise up, causing uneven flooring.
Why does water damage engineered wood?
It can occur if water is able to get between the top layer and the core of the engineered wood flooring, eroding away or damaging the adhesive that holds them together.
Why do hardwood floors curl?
When hardwood flooring boards get wet, they swell, and because they are wedged tightly together and have nowhere to go, the edges or middles lift and curl. You can't fix this problem by driving screws from underneath. If you remove the source of the moisture, which may be excessive room humidity, the boards may dry out and regain their original shape to some degree. This is the preferred outcome, but it isn't always the one that occurs. In some cases, you have to sand the boards to flatten them and then restore the floor.
Can you sand a board to flatten it?
If you remove the source of the moisture, which may be excessive room humidity, the boards may dry out and regain their original shape to some degree. This is the preferred outcome, but it isn't always the one that occurs. In some cases, you have to sand the boards to flatten them and then restore the floor.
Can you sand a cupped floor?
A certain amount of cupping is acceptable on older floors. If the lifting is localized, you may be able to replace the damaged boards. While not an easy job, it may be your only option if you can't sand for some reason. If the lifting is caused by seepage from underneath the floor, you may be able to stop the seepage by attaching a moisture barrier to the undersides of the floor joists.
How Much Water?
How Long?
- Another factor with flooding on hardwood floors is how long the water has been in contact with the floor. Even waxed and sealed floors cannot completely keep water from permeating the wood. The longer the floor has been wet, the longer the water will have to seep into the wood and the subfloor. If water has soaked through to the subfloor and insulation, a more invasive approach …
Should You Try to Dry The Hardwood Floor Yourself?
- For substantial amounts of water (more than small spills) it is best to call a professional. If the water hasn’t been in contact with the floor for very long it is beneficial to remove as much standing water as you can while you wait for the professional. A mop, towels, and shop vacuum work for these purposes as you will just be removing as much ex...
We Can Help
- Purity Cleaning and Restoration Services, Inc. offers water damage services in the Bitterroot Valley. With our team of trained professionals and state of the art drying equipment, there is no water damage job we can’t handle. Our approach includes the use of hardwood floor drying mats that extract water with the use of portable vacuums. High-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers …
Is It Thoroughly Dry?
- Purity Cleaning and Restoration Services, Inc. uses moisture meters to take readings of the affected areas. Though your hardwood floor might feel dry to the touch, a moisture meter will tell if there is still moisture beneath the surface. Moisture left unaddressed can lead to warping and structural damage in the floor as well as mold growth which can be a health hazard. You can res…