Water damage on hardwood floors can feel like a nightmare. Whether it's from a spill, a leak, or a flood, seeing your beautiful floors affected by moisture is stressful. But don’t panic just yet—there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and even restore your floors to their former glory. The key is to act quickly and know what you're dealing with. Here’s how to handle water damage on hardwood flooring before it becomes a bigger issue.
Act fast: the quicker, the better
When water hits hardwood floors, time is not on your side. The faster you respond, the more likely you can save the floor. Start by mopping up any standing water immediately using towels or a wet/dry vacuum. Open windows and turn on fans to get air circulating—this will help dry things out faster. If you have dehumidifiers, even better! Get those running as soon as possible.
The key here is to prevent the wood from soaking up more water. Once hardwood flooring absorbs water, it starts to warp, swell, and even buckle, which leads to expensive repairs.
Assess the damage
Once you've cleaned up the water, take a close look at the damage. Has the wood started to discolor, cup, or crack? If the damage is minor, you might be able to fix it yourself. However, if the floorboards are significantly warped or separated, you’ll need to call in a professional.
Small stains or water spots can often be sanded down and refinished. But if the wood is swollen or soft to the touch, the damage is deeper and may require replacing affected boards.
Dry and dehumidify
Even after the surface water is cleaned up, moisture can still linger beneath the floorboards. To prevent mold and further warping, continue to dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers. If the damage is extensive, consider pulling up a few boards to allow better airflow underneath. Hardwood floors need to be bone dry before you attempt any repairs or refinishing.
Sanding and refinishing
For minor water damage, sanding and refinishing can often do the trick. Once the wood is completely dry, sand down any raised edges or stains, and then refinish the area to match the rest of the floor. It’s a labor-intensive process, but it’s much cheaper than replacing the entire floor.
Your experts on wood flooring in Hurst, TX
If the water damage is severe—think large areas of buckling, warping, or mold growth—you may have no choice but to replace the damaged boards or even the entire floor. Always consult with a professional to assess the extent of the damage and the best course of action.
By acting fast and using the right techniques, you can minimize the damage and save your hardwood floors from long-term water damage!
Our hardwood flooring store in Hurst, TX, serves Hurst, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Southlake, Keller, Irving, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, Bedford, and Euless, TX. Call or stop by iStone Floors & More today!
