“Protecting Your Wooden Floors from Water Damage: What You Need to Know”

If you’re looking to detect water damage on your wooden floor, here are some signs to look out for:

1. Discoloration: Water damage can cause your wooden floor to become discolored. If you notice any dark spots or stains on your floor, it could be a sign of water damage.
2. Warping: Water can cause your wooden floor to warp or buckle. If you notice any boards that are lifting or bulging, it could be a sign of water damage.
3. Mold and mildew: Water damage can cause mold and mildew to grow on your wooden floor. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew, such as a musty smell or visible growth, it could be a sign of water damage.
4. Unsettled nails: Water damage can cause the nails in your wooden floor to become unsettled. If you notice any nails that are sticking out or are no longer flush with the floor, it could be a sign of water damage.

If you suspect that your wooden floor has water damage, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

If you’re looking to remove moisture from your wooden floor, here are some steps you can follow:

1. Remove all floor coverings. The area underneath your wood floor won’t dry while the wood is still wet. If your wood flooring is covered by wet rugs, mats, or carpeting, you’ll need to remove them immediately.
2. Dry visible water immediately after floors get wet. You won’t be able to dry water that has seeped into and underneath the floors, but you should immediately start drying the visible water on your floors. Mopping and toweling may be sufficient, but if flooding is severe, you may need to use a water pump.
3. Scrub woodwork with a brush and detergent before floors are dry. If your house has flooded, there will likely be mud and silt trapped in the crevices and corners of your floor. Before the floors totally dry, take a non-abrasive but stiff brush, plenty of water, and a non-sudsing detergent, and thoroughly clean your floors. Cleaning while the floors are still wet will keep you from having to re-wet the floors after they’re dried.
4. Remove a few boards to let the others expand and dry the subfloor. When wood floorboards get wet, they swell. If you remove a few floorboards (one every 5–10 feet should be fine) will allow your floorboards to expand without buckling or cracking. This will also help the subfloor to dry faster.
5. Use fans to move the air around in your home. One of the fastest ways to help your wood floors dry out is to use large fans to circulate the air in your home. You can use regular box fans, or you can purchase or rent large commercial-strength fans for faster drying.
6. Measure the moisture content of your wood floors. Be sure your wood floors are totally dry before you refinish or recover them. You can call a professional to measure the moisture remaining in your floors.