how to repair water damaged floorboards

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 entire floor. The proper way to replace planks in a wood floor takes time and the expertise of a craftsman.

Full Answer

How to fix water damaged wood floors?

Fixing the Water Damaged Floor by Replacing Damaged Flooring. You may sand, refinish, and re-coat the wood floor to repair water damage, but is not a permanent solution. The best way to avoid and fix water damage for wood floors is to get them repaired. For this, you will have to take out the affected planks and replace them with new boards.

Should I repair or replace my water damaged floor tiles?

Always keep an eye on your floors to prevent damage, but be prepared to replace warped tiles if the water damage is too severe.

How do I know if my floor is water damaged?

There are a number of signs that point to your floor being water damaged, including bending or cracking. Tiles can also be pushed apart by water damage. Go over every tile individually when you check. As you walk around, push on your floorboards to see if they are popping up out of the base of the floor.

What should you do if your subfloor is damaged by water?

Removing some boards in order to make sure the subfloor is totally dry is the next step. Running some fans in the area of the damage is a good idea to ensure that the moisture is completely evaporated. Any residual moisture can cause more damage and can even lead to serious health threats like mold.

Can water damaged wood floors be fixed?

Depending on the severity of damage, the hardwood floors may only need to be refinished. In some cases patching is required to replace the damaged boards prior to refinishing. In the worst case scenario, the entire floor needs to be removed and replaced.

What happens if water gets under floorboards?

If you don't dry laminate floor with moisture under it quickly, you could end up with subfloor damage, mold, and other issues. Drying laminate flooring with water under it is a multi-step process. You'll need to remove the flooring, disinfect and dry each piece, clean and dry the subfloor, and reinstall the flooring.

How do you fix subfloor rotted water damage?

How to Fix a Water-Damaged Subfloor: Your 8-Step DIY GuideStart by Stopping the Water. ... Expose the Subflooring. ... Make Your Mark. ... Carefully Cut Subflooring. ... Remove Damaged Materials. ... Speed Up the Drying Process. ... Reinforce Floor Joists. ... Install Your New Subflooring.

What do water damaged wood floors look like?

Staining: Staining is simply the discoloration on the hardwood floors, due to water damage. Staining comes in two forms, white stains and black stains. White stains come in the form of white circles on your hardwood floors. They indicate that the floor's finish has been mildly damaged, due to the build-up of moisture.

Will wet floorboards dry out?

It can take up to several weeks for wood flooring to completely dry. Also, the humidity in the room and the amount of water that was present on the floor can prolong the process. So leave the fans and dehumidifier running until the moisture test shows that no water remains in the wood.

How do you dry water under floorboards?

To dry beneath wood floors which have been flooded, first you should remove any wet floor coverings such as rugs or carpet. Next, dry the floors completely by pumping out standing water, then mop and towel the surface dry. Use fans to circulate the air in your home, and have patience as your floors dry.

Does water damaged subfloor need to be replaced?

The best choice for damaged subflooring is usually to have it replaced — especially if it is growing mold. In severe situations, it may feel like replacing the flooring is the only action you can take.

How long does it take for water to damage wood floors?

The first 24 hours are critical, and the longer the wood is in contact with water, the worse the damage will be. 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).

How do you fix a rotted subfloor underneath?

3:035:18How to Repair Bathtub Subfloor Damage Underneath in ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr the subflooring. So simply fill it in cut it in fill it in if the damage is bad block underneathMoreOr the subflooring. So simply fill it in cut it in fill it in if the damage is bad block underneath it. And make sure that the blocks are supported properly here's a way you can support the blocks.

Will warped wood floor go back to normal?

If the buckling is only minor, in many cases the boards might return back to normal. If the boards are still showing areas of damage and buckling, you'll need to replace them.

How do you cover water damage on hardwood floors?

Apply a small amount of mayonnaise to a cloth (or an old disposable t-shirt) and place it on the watermark. Allow it to sit for an hour or more but don't let it get dry. If it does dry, apply more mayonnaise to keep the area moist. Wipe it away with a thick cotton cloth when you're done.

How do you fix a swollen wood floor?

If the floor is swollen from humidity, then you must set up ventilation fans to dry out the room. To speed up the process, a dehumidifier may also be set up in the room to help dry out the flooring and capture the moisture.

How do you fix water under wooden floors?

A non-abrasive stiff brush and some non-sudsing detergent would do the job. Desiccants could also help here. They are materials that absorb moisture, and you can spread them in closed areas with poor air circulation. Thirdly, you could remove a few wood boards to let the others expand as they dry out.

How do you dry a wood floor after leaking water?

How to Dry a Wooden Floor after a Water Leak:Step 1: Get the Materials You Need.Step 2: Remove All Floor Coverings.Step 3: Suck up As Much Water as Possible Using a Wet Vacuum.Step 4: Scrub Woodwork using A Floor Brush and Detergent Before the Floor is Dry.More items...

What do you do if you get water under laminate flooring?

When the water reaches under laminate flooring, the water must be removed immediately. If a small amount of water has leaked toward the edges of the flooring, pull up any quarter-round (shoe molding) or baseboards around the perimeter. If the water is not pervasive, you may be able to extract it with a wet-dry vacuum.

How do you absorb water from the floor?

How to Remove Water From a Floor Without a PumpUse a Mop and Bucket. ... Turn on Your Heat or Air Conditioning System and Run Fans. ... Run a Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum. ... Soak up Water With Towels. ... Run a Dehumidifier.

Why do my floors get water damaged?

While your family relies on sturdy flooring for everyday activities, perhaps this is most clear when your floors become damaged. Your floors may experience water damage for many reasons — including water heater leaks, broken pipes and natural disasters like hurricanes or floods. However the incident occurs, odds are you’re left asking whether you ...

How long does it take for water damage to dry on a floor?

When to Consider Repairing Water Damaged Floors. If your subflooring is undamaged and the affected area is dry within 24 to 48 hours, you may be able to repair the damaged flooring. Before attempting a repair, ensure the floor is completely dry.

What is subflooring?

Subflooring is the wooden or concrete support system beneath your flooring. If you have water damaged subfloors, you’ll likely notice your floors are swollen or lifted. They may also feel soft or squishy when stepped on. The best choice for damaged subflooring is usually to have it replaced — especially if it is growing mold.

What type of flooring is most susceptible to water damage?

Pay special attention to water damage on hardwood floors. Hardwood is one of the flooring types most susceptible to water damage.

How to prevent mold and mildew on carpet?

Carpet: If a carpet is left wet for a long time, it will develop mold quickly. Use a wet vacuum to remove as much water as possible, and then finish drying with fans. When dry, have a professional clean, sanitize and deodorize it to prevent mold and mildew. If a small section of carpet located in an out-of-the-way area is damaged, you may be able to remove and replace it.

How long does it take for water damage to show on laminate flooring?

Laminate: Laminate floor water damage may lead to swelling and separation beneath the finish. After the flooring is dry, allow the laminate several days to show signs of water damage. To repair, remove and replace damaged boards and keep the undamaged ones.

Can you replace a damaged floor yourself?

If you want to repair or replace the flooring yourself, consider whether the task is something you can reasonably accomplish. Depending on the circumstances, replacing damaged floors yourself may require a significant amount of effort and time that you could save by having them professionally replaced. Homeowners can typically clean up moldy areas of fewer than 10 square feet with proper protocol. Beyond this, the EPA recommends consulting a professional with mold experience.

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.

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.

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.

What are the lap lines on polyurethane?

Tweaking the color of the stain used on the wood can help, but it’s a challenge. Second, you may see lap lines which are the “brush strokes” that occur when polyurethane is applied to a floor. Because each coat of polyurethane is relatively thick, matching the levels of the repair and existing floors is a challenge.

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.

What causes water damage to a floor?

Invisible leaks, added humidity or seeping groundwater can lead to a water-damaged floor. Our tips will help you return your floor to its former glory.

How to tell if a hardwood floor is leaking?

1. Look for Signs of Moisture Damage. If you’ve experienced flooding, leaks or any water incident, you need to check your floor for signs of damage. Damage to hardwood floors is the easiest to spot. Wooden floors may show peaking, buckling, cupping and discoloration.

What does it mean when wood boards curl upward?

The board edges curl upward, leaving the midsection with a slight dip. In addition: Crowning or when the center of the wood gets higher than the edges. Discoloration. Dark spots (mold or mildew) Buckling or when the wooden planks detach from the subfloor (foundation for a floor) beneath it.

Can you replace laminate flooring if it's water damaged?

Water-damaged laminate boards show signs of swelling and separation. In this case, you may replace the damaged boards individually. However, in the case of extensive water damage (ex. flood), the usual option is to replace the whole floor .

Can you save money by fixing a floor?

If you have the time and if there are minimal issues, you can save money by doing the repairs on your own. However, if your floor was exposed to water for long and if there’s visible mold infestation or decay, it’s better to leave this to the experts for the best outcome.

Can you replace a water damaged floor?

The decision to repair or replace your water-damaged floor is entirely up to you. Light damages will only need repair, but floors with extensive and obvious damage will need replacement.

Does moisture damage laminate flooring?

Moisture isn’t a laminate floor’s friend. While it is considered more durable than hardwood floors and vinyl flooring, laminate floors give way when exposed to water or moisture. Common indicators of water damage to laminate floors: Cupping. Warping, swelling and separation. Splitting, cracking.

How to tell if laminate is water damaged?

Look for warped areas that are bending or cracking. When laminate gets saturated by water, it absorbs the moisture which in turn breaks down the structure of the flooring. There are a number of signs that point to your floor being water damaged, including bending or cracking.

What to do if you pry up a plank but don't notice damage?

If you pry up a plank but don’t notice any damage to it, simply reinstall it back into the floor!

Why is laminate flooring so popular?

Laminate flooring is popular among homeowners because it looks nice and is durable. These floors can last for years and don’t require much maintenance along the way. That said, the wood in the laminate floors is prone to water damage if it’s not treated properly.

Why wipe laminate flooring?

Whenever there is a small spill of any kind on your laminate flooring, wipe it up immediately to prevent water damage from occurring over time.

What to do with sticky notes on floor?

Snap a picture of the entire floor with the sticky notes in case you need to show it to a flooring dealer.

What to do if you can't find planks?

If you can’t find any planks that look like the ones you have at home, you might be better off replacing the whole floor. Ask the flooring dealer for their advice if this is the case.

How to keep planks in place?

Place a heavy object on top of the planks to help them set. Be it a bookcase or couch, this object will keep the planks in one place and allow the adhesive to keep them connected for a long time.

What causes warped wood floors?

How To Deal With Warped Floorboards and Water Damage . Hardwood floors can be one of the most beautiful parts of your home, but they aren’t without the need for care and maintenance. One common problem with hardwood floors is warping. Warped floors are usually caused by water damage.

Does insurance cover water damage?

The cost of this kind of repair varies depending on the extent of the damage, but luckily homeowner’s insurance will often cover this kind of accidental water damage. Even if your policy doesn’t cover it, dealing with warped floorboards is worth the cost. Warped floors not only look bad, but they also are potentially dangerous.