What You Need to Know About Water Damage Repair and Hardwood Floors
It’s no secret that water and hardwood floors don’t mix. Hardwood floors soak up the water quickly, leaving them looking worn while diminishing their durability. However, homeowners can take action and preserve their hardwood floors by removing the water with the correct techniques and help from water damage restoration experts.
Although it’s best to leave water damage repair for the restoration experts, homeowners can reduce the damages in various ways. Austin Fire and Floor put together this guide about water damage repair and how to save hardwood floors from standing water.
How Water Affects Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors absorb standing water over time, causing them to expand and warp. When the underpart of the boards swell with water, they become wavy and uneven, taking away from the floor’s visual appeal. Restoration experts call this process cupping.
How to Prevent Cupping from Damaging Floors
Although most hardwood floors don’t recover from cupping, homeowners can reduce the extent of the damage if they act swiftly. Follow the steps listed below to diminish cupping and its effect on hardwood floors.
Step One: Stop the Leak
Once a homeowner notices cupping, they must find the source of the flooding water and stop it as soon as possible. This prevents the problem from worsening and stops the water from spreading to other areas. Many leaks stem from busted pipes or broken appliances, so ensure everything is functioning correctly to prevent further damages.
Step Two: Dry the Area
Homeowners must thoroughly dry the hardwood floors to prevent them from cupping. However, it is much easier said than done. It often takes time for the boards to fully dry unless the homeowner has specialized drying tools at their disposal.
Once you notice the problem and call a water damage repair company, the technicians can speed up the drying process by directing fans to the affected area. Opening a few windows and doors can also help dry the floors.
Homeowners must call a water damage repair expert right after stopping the leak. The professionals can test the floor’s moisture levels and tell you when to start the repair or replacement process.
Step Three: Hire a Water Damage Repair Company to Fix the Hardwood Floor
Water damage restoration companies do more than check the floor’s moisture levels. They also help homeowners repair or replace water-ridden floorboards. A professional can tell the owner the extent of the water damage while providing valuable advice on flooding prevention.
Sometimes water damage repair experts can save a cupped hardwood floor after the water takes hold. If they believe it’s possible to salvage the floor, they will use industry-leading tools and techniques to make the necessary repairs. If the contractor can’t fix the cupped floors, they will replace them for a fee that insurance may cover.
Reliable Water Damage Repair and Restoration in Austin, TX
When disaster strikes, a homeowner needs a reliable water damage restoration company that will rush to their home right away. Austin Fire and Flood provides emergency water damage repair and restoration to Austin residents in need. Its team can handle any water damage repairs you throw their way at a fair and honest price.
If you need water damage repairs in Austin, TX, contact Austin Fire and Flood at (512) 912-6814. Call today!
