We’re in this together. Those of us who live in and around the Belleville and Glen Carbon areas experience the joys (and challenges) of Midwest weather, from the snow-laden winters to the humid and hot summers.
One of the particularly troublesome realities we deal with every spring is the possibility of flooding in our homes. Snow melts, and the ground—still partially frozen—is unable to absorb all the moisture. Water damage in the home ends up being bad news for any homeowner, but those with hardwood flooring can be particularly concerned. Wood flooring and moisture definitely don’t mix.
Water damage can happen to wood flooring when spills aren’t tended to, also. To mitigate your concerns about any kind of water damage, or to see what your options are if the damage has already been done, follow along with our simple steps to protect your wood floors from water damage.
Step 1: Be prepared
After flooding, another one of the most common causes of residential water damage to wood flooring is when the dishwasher breaks. You can’t expect this to happen, but with this and the reality of our climate extremes season-to-season (and the likelihood of flooding each spring), you can be proactive for water damage in general.
For example, check your faucets and any visible pipes once a month for leaks and get your dishwasher serviced regularly. Give us at Valor Home Services a call if you want to stay ahead of it all with one, single call.
Step 2: Choose the right finishing
The finishes we use when we refinish hardwood floors have polyurethane and other coating substances that are meant to protect your hardwood floors from moisture. If your hardwood floors are due for a refinish, do it sooner than later to keep them protected from spills and accidents.
That said, water is bad for your wood floors even if your finish is in great condition. Spills should be cleaned up right away to prevent any moisture from getting into the cracks between boards.
Step 3: Know how to identify water damage on hardwood floors
Water damage is often hard to spot when it’s in the walls or on ceilings. On wood floors, however, you’ll notice it pretty easily. Some water damage builds gradually over time, however, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
If water has gotten into the wood fibers in your hardwood planks, you’ll see the color of the floor change. Water damage tends to be dark. You might also notice cupping of individual planks.
If you’re not sure whether your hardwood floor has water damage, make an appointment with Valor Home Services right here on the website.
