Hardwood floors are timeless and never lose their charm. Most designers and homeowners still choose them for their beauty and versatility. They are highly prone to damage if not given the proper care and attention. Even if the property is not in a hurricane or flood-prone location, extra moisture can damage it. Leaky pipes and other mishaps can cause standing water or significant water damage. If neglected, you may say goodbye to the floors quickly.
How Water Affects Hardwood Floors
Wood is made of fibers that easily take in and retain water. There are clear signs that reveal where the damage may be coming from. Knowing how to spot these and getting immediate water damage restoration can save your floors from irreversible damage.
Cupping
Cupping means the edges of the floorboards lift, and the middle is lower. It is the first sign indicating a water problem on the floors. It generally means that moisture or direct water comes from underneath the floorboards. Considering that the bottom gets wetter, it swells, and the top curls inwards. It might mean a broken pipeline or extra humidity in the crawlspace below.
Crowning
When the middle of the floorboards is arched and the edges slope downwards, this is called crowning. It typically implies that the moisture content at the top is higher than at the bottom. The wood soaks up moisture and reacts by swelling, which causes crowning. Recurring direct contact with water also causes crowning. This can be triggered by dripping sinks, entry and exit points that meet water or snow, or defective appliances that utilize water.
Mold
Aside from the top and bottom surfaces, hardwood floors still have other infiltration points. No matter how well-finished the floors are, water can find its way between joints or in any breaks in the finishing. If there is moisture left, mold can do more damage. It can stain the wood, cause warping, and cause rotting.
How to Save your Hardwood Floors
You can clean up the floors using a shop vacuum cleaner and scrub the floors with detergent. Drying is extremely important and requires the correct equipment. If you think that this is a simple procedure, think again. If you are unsure, think about getting professional help. Employing the services of a restoration company might even save you a substantial amount of money and spare you from the trouble of reconstructing floors. Here’s what’s in store:
Removing Water
Quick elimination of standing water is ensured with equipment that can reduce work time. Also, experts know where to look to ensure that damage will not continue.
Cleaning Surfaces
Remediation specialists use heavy-duty cleaning agents to eliminate dirt and oils, and odors. Without more water, these cleansers can also get rid of soil and other debris.
Drying All Moisture
Like this company that offers disaster restoration services in Jupiter, the good ones have all the right equipment to get things done efficiently. The remaining moisture is eradicated using industrial-grade fans, blowers, and dehumidifiers. Drying must be quick and extensive to prevent further seepage that can cause more damage.
Treating Mold
Professionals clean the areas that show mold growth with cleaning agents, which will help stop further development. These cleaning agents likewise will remove the smell that comes with mold growth.
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