Whether your dishwasher is leaking or there’s water damage from floods and leaks, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of wet wood floors.
Knowing how to capture water and moisture from your wooden floor can prevent the spread of water damage and save them. Continue reading to learn how you can spot the signs of moisture in your wood floors.
Signs Your Wood Floor Has Moisture Damage
Look out for any of these signs to know if your wood floor suffers from moisture damage.
- Crowning – bumpiness, mounding, or raising
- Buckling – distortion, lifting, or warping
- Staining – discoloration
- Cupping – concaving, or sinking
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need to Remove Moisture from Wood Floors
Before beginning to repair your damaged floorboard, ensure you have all the tools and equipment for a fast, easy, and quality solution.
High-Powered Wet/Dry Vacuum
A proper wet/dry vacuum effectively removes any water and dries out the damaged area.
If your home has recently been hit by heavy rain flooding, check out our flooded basement cleanup.
Commercial-Grade Dehumidifiers
Removing water damage from wood floors means more than just removing and drying out unwanted water. Dehumidifiers are necessary to remove moisture in the area and prevent mold growth.
Air Movers and Fans
Air movers and fans help to bring proper air flow within the water-damaged area, keeping it well-ventilated.
Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are used to accurately measure humidity levels, so the dehumidification process is effectively carried out.
Hardwood Floor Drying Mats
Hardwood floor drying mats help speed up the drying process by absorbing moisture. They bring water to the surface that wet/dry vacuums can easily remove.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Moisture from Wood Floors
Follow these steps to remove moisture from your wooden floor and prevent future water damage.
- Clear the Area
Remove any furniture or materials that would prevent you from treating your wood floor. If the problem area is large, it is best to clear out the whole room.
- Eliminate Excess Water
Use a wet/dry vacuum to extract excess water from the area. Run it through it a few times to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Clean the Surface
Now that you have removed the water, thoroughly clean the surface of the damaged area and its surroundings. Dirt and other debris can easily lead to mold growth.
- Fully Dry the Area
Fully dry the area by using industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to ventilate and dry it out correctly. Use hardwood floor drying mats to quicken the drying process.
- Inspect for Mold and Mildew
After completely drying the area, check for any mold or mildew that might have begun to grow before your cleanup.
DIY vs. Professional Moisture Removal: What’s Best?
Removing moisture yourself can be a quick and inexpensive way to solve your problem. However, there are also times when it is best to hire a professional.
Your situation might call for a professional if:
- Water damage that is deeper than the surface
- There are significant and noticeable changes in your wood floor
- Industrial-grade equipment is required
- Refinishing is needed
- If the water damage is from an upstairs condo
- If the water damage is from an upstairs apartment
Do I Need to Repair or Replace Water-Damaged Wood Floors?
Understanding the following factors can help you determine if you can repair your water-damaged wood floors or if they need to be replaced:
- If the damage is deep, then restoration services are often required.
- Only a repair is often needed if the damage is light, shallow, and visible.
- If the problem has repeated or persisted, then this is a clear sign that a restoration is best.
How to Prevent Future Moisture Damage to Wood Floors
Moisture barriers can help mitigate moisture damage from spills or floods. However, barriers and wood floors are not designed to absorb a large amount, so keeping moisture exposure to a minimum is always best.
That being said, it’s hard to predict the weather. If your property has recently experienced storm damage, please call us. We’re experts in storm damage restoration.
Contact Allphase Restoration for Expert Water Damage Restoration Services Support
Need fast and efficient water damage services? The team at Allphase Restoration can help. We are available 24/7 for fast and reliable water damage repair and can even help you navigate the insurance process with ease. Contact us for support today.
