Wooden floors offer numerous advantages that make them a popular choice for modern homes even today. Aesthetically pleasing, warm, and comfortable, they have a long lifespan and represent an unparalleled investment. However, one of the limitations of wooden floors is their vulnerability to water. Indeed, water stagnating on a wooden floor, especially following water damage, can be very problematic and may require partially or even completely replacing the flooring.
As wood is a natural element, water that infiltrates a wooden floor will cause a reaction that is difficult to reverse. The water causes the wood to swell, which eventually deforms in different ways, particularly depending on the type of flooring, the type of leak, etc. Although each case is different, it is advisable to follow certain steps quickly after water damage to minimize its consequences.
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Contact your insurance
Most insurance policies protect homeowners in case of water damage. It is therefore strongly advised to contact your insurance company to find out about possible recourses and the steps to follow on the insurer’s side. If a third party is involved or responsible, such as a neighbor for example, they should also contact their insurance.
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Dry the damaged surface
As soon as the accident is observed and reported to the insurance, it is important to dry the affected surface as quickly as possible. Depending on the size of the room, the amount of water infiltrated, and the type of wood, an expert can assess the best way to proceed with dehumidification. Several methods exist, with the most effective one involving the use of a machine to extract the water. By calling in an expert, you ensure knowledge of air movement, temperature, and humidity levels in the room to optimize the drying process. Beyond visible damage, this step will notably prevent moisture from rotting raw wooden floors, for example.
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Replace damaged boards
It is crucial to ensure that the entire floor is dehumidified, at the risk of repairing a floor that will deform again. Once the surface is completely dry, you can move on to the repair stage. Depending on the type of flooring, it can be difficult to save wet boards. It is generally recommended to replace floating or nailed parquet boards. For superficial damage, it may be possible to salvage without having to replace the pieces. Indeed, sometimes it is sufficient to re-sand the affected area to level the floor. Afterwards, a new layer of varnish will be applied to uniformize everything and protect the floor.
Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, but with the right reflexes quickly implemented, you can get through it at minimal cost. To avoid such an accident as much as possible, certain precautions can be taken in advance, for example:
- Regularly check the plumbing in your house.
- Close water inlets and outlets when you leave the house for a few days.
- Check the insulation of doors and windows.
- Ensure good external water circulation each season by removing dead leaves from gutters in autumn and checking the roof in spring.
- Maintain your wooden floors and ensure that the protective varnish remains in good condition.
Finally, for new floors, there are more and more innovations in terms of waterproofing that allow for long-term protection of wood. Don’t hesitate to inquire with an expert about the different options available regarding material, installation, and finishing.
