Wood floors and water... they don't mix and can be a huge nightmare for homeonwers. It could be an appliance leaking, a sink left running, pipes bursting, a natural disaster, and everything in between; the consequences of water damage can be devastating, and it’s important to address it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Let's take a look at how ling it takes for water to cause damage to hard wood floors, and what should be done in the event this happens in your home.
Understanding the Vulnerability of Wood Floors
As soon as water gets onto wood floors, immediately the wood starts to absord the moisture. Wood is extremely vulnerable to water damage because of its porous nature and composition, which allows water to quickly seep into its fibers.
Wood also retains moisture within its fibers, making it challenging to dry thoroughly. Inadequate drying can lead to residual moisture, which can create an ongoing problem that will create more damage. If not dried properly you could have mold growth that gets stired up in the air, sucked into the HVAC system which in turn spreads mold spored over your entire house.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Exposure
In the initial hours following water exposure, the wood may start to swell and warp. You might notice cupping, where the edges of the planks curl upward, or crowning, where the center of the planks becomes elevated.
As time passes, the moisture trapped within the wood creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold spores can begin to colonize, posing health risks to residents and further compromising the structural integrity of the flooring. The presence of mold not only exacerbates the damage, but also leads to more serious and costly remediation efforts.
If you don’t address the water situation for an extended period, things get a lot more serious. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to irreversible damage, such as severe warping, delamination, and even rotting of the wood. The moisture exposure can also weaken the adhesive bonds between the wood and the subfloor, causing the floorboards to become loose or detached.
Even once you remediate the visible signs of water damage, you could still be dealing with long-term effects. Wood that has undergone saturation and subsequent drying processes may experience lingering issues such as cracking, splitting, or discoloration. In addition, the structural integrity of the flooring may be compromised, meaning you’ll need repairs or replacement down the line.
Identifying the Signs of Water Damage
Recognizing the signs of water damage in wood floors is a must for early detection and prompt mitigation. In addition to the swelling or cupping mentioned above, here are some signs to watch for:
●Discoloration: Water-stained areas on the surface of the wood, which may appear as dark spots or patches.
●Buckling: The wood starts to lift up away from the subfloor.
●Squeaky Spots: Areas of the floor that move when stepped on.
●Sponginess or softness: Water-damaged wood flooring may feel soft or spongy to the touch, indicating saturation and deterioration of the wood fibers.
●Musty odor: A musty odor often indicates mold and mildew.
●Visible mold or mildew: In advanced cases of water damage, mold and mildew may become visible on the surface of the wood flooring. Mold growth can appear as black, green, or gray patches, and may spread rapidly if left unchecked.
Resto Experts: The Mid-Souths Partner in Water Damage Restoration
When water damage occurs in your home, it’s important to act fast. Resto Experts offers 24/7 comprehensive restoration services for dealing with emergency water damage and the restoration process afterward. If you’re dealing with water damage, contact the Resto Experts team at (901)519-2580
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