The Effect of Flooding on Hardwood Floors

Primary Damage

• Primary damage refers to the flooding damage immediately noticeable and easily seen with the naked eye. Water damage usually includes cupping, warping, flaking of the surface and discoloration. The damage is oftentimes irreversible, though it varies depending on the type of hardwood floor you have. Natural wood is usually salvageable, while laminates usually are not. The harder your wood is, the more likely it will resist the moisture. Softer oak floors, for example, will start to react after a day or two of exposure, while harder maples can withstand water for three or more days. In addition, if the wood was finished on-site, it is likely to avoid damage; however, factory finished pieces are not as resistant.

Secondary Damage

• Secondary damage refers to the damage not immediately noticeable. For instance, after flooding, hardwood floors could harbor mold in between the wood planks and the subfloor, even after the wood is visibly dry. In addition, water vapor could travel to other parts of the house, which can cause other structural damage. Mitigation refers to the process of stopping secondary damage, and some insurance companies require proof of mitigation, so take pictures to document how you stopped the spread of water to other areas of the house.

Minimizing the Effects

• Contact a specialist immediately if your hardwood is natural wood, especially if it is a soft floor variety. A specialist can help dry the wood and minimize negative effects with subfloor ventilation. Avoid refinishing the floor until the wood is completely dry to prevent further damage. Remember, though, that even if the wood appears dry on the surface, the subflooring could still be drying.

Considerations

• Be wary of substances in the water, too, that could affect your health. Clean water refers to water from an internal source, such as a pipe. Gray water is that water has some contaminants, but it is still mostly from the home. Avoid black water, which has traveled from other sources and could include sewage and soil. This water can contain as many as 120 viral and 1,500 bacterial infections. Persons with compromised immune systems should stay away from the flooded area.