Flooding can lead to extensive water damage, with hardwood floors bearing the brunt of it. You might be wondering whether they can be saved after being submerged for quite a while. The answer isn’t always straightforward, but with immediate action carried out by professional restoration services, there is hope for your hardwood floors. Let’s learn more about it in today’s post.
Water and Hardwood Floor Don’t Mix
When hardwood floors absorb water, they will warp, cup, and buckle. Discoloration, as well as the formation of mold and mildew under and around the planks, are also common issues that can arise if moisture isn’t promptly managed. While they might not look damaged, these issues are sure to appear in the long term, even after the surfaces have been dried.
The Critical Window for Restoration
The first 24 hours after a flood are crucial in determining whether your hardwood floors can be saved. The quicker the water is removed and the drying process begins, the better the chance your floors can be restored to their former glory. Experts will usually go for surface, sub-flooring, and baseboard drying with consistent inspections to ensure no mold or mildew grows beneath the surfaces.
Professional Restoration Techniques
Restoration professionals often begin with the removal of standing water using specialized vacuums and pumps. Once major areas are addressed, they will place dehumidifiers and air movers to draw moisture out from the planks and subfloor. It’s not just about drying, though. The restoration team must also disinfect all surfaces and sub-surfaces to prevent mold and mildew growth in the future once your hardwood dries.
Saving Warped or Cupped Floors
One common query from homeowners is whether warped or cupped hardwood floors can be flattened out again. The answer is, there’s a chance they can, but it often depends on the extent of the damage and how quickly drying and restoration efforts commence.
Post-drying, each plank is inspected for the extent of damage and possibility of restoration. In some cases, sanding and refinishing can restore warped and cupped floors, in some cases making them look as good as they were pre-flooding. However, keep in mind that there is a chance they can’t be restored and may need replacement.
Opting for Replacement or Repair
Flooding causes severe damage, and you can be sure that a chunk of your hardwood flooring will require a partial or full replacement. While professional restoration services can often save a significant portion of the flooring, it’s not guaranteed. Each scenario is unique, so a thorough assessment by restoration experts is essential to make an informed decision.
We Work With Your Insurance Company
Navigating insurance claims can be daunting, but Liberty Restoration is here to help. As insurance experts, we work closely with your insurance company to ensure your claims are handled efficiently. From providing detailed assessments to communicating directly with your insurer, we strive to make the restoration process as smooth as possible for you.
Want to have an accurate evaluation of your hardwood floors hours after a flood? You can count on Liberty Restoration’s 24/7 emergency services. Call us at (844) 633-4872, or fill out this contact form to get an estimate.