Water damage can wreak havoc on your floors, whether it’s from a burst pipe, flooding, or even a leaky roof. Recovering your floors after water damage requires swift action and careful steps to prevent mold, warping, and permanent damage. In this blog post, the experts from Got Floored West Sound share a guide to help you restore your floors after water damage and bring them back to their original condition.
Assess the Damage
Before diving into repairs, it’s important to assess the extent of the damage. Different types of flooring react differently to water. For instance, hardwood may swell and warp, while laminate may bubble or peel. Some materials like tile are more resilient, but the underlayment could be compromised. This assessment will guide your next steps—whether to repair, dry out, or completely replace the flooring.
Remove Standing Water Immediately
The longer water sits on the floor, the worse the damage will be. Use a wet vacuum to remove standing water as quickly as possible. For smaller areas, towels or mops may be effective. If the water damage is extensive, you may need professional water extraction services to get the job done.
Dry Flooring Thoroughly
Drying the floor is crucial to prevent mold growth and further damage. Set up fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and speed up the drying process. Open windows and doors if weather permits. Depending on the extent of the damage, drying could take several days or even weeks. If the subfloor is saturated, it may need to be exposed to dry out properly.
Clean & Sanitize Floors
Once the floor is dry, it’s essential to clean and sanitize the area to prevent mold and mildew. Use a mixture of water and mild detergent to scrub the affected areas, then sanitize with a diluted bleach solution or a commercial disinfectant. Ensure the room is well-ventilated during this process to avoid inhaling any chemicals.
Evaluate the Subfloor
If your floors were severely water-damaged, it’s possible that the subfloor may also need repair or replacement. Check for signs of warping, sagging, or mold. In many cases, water can seep through the top layer of flooring and damage the subfloor, requiring professional attention.
Repair or Replace Flooring
Depending on the type of flooring and the extent of the water damage, you may be able to repair certain sections or you may need to replace the entire floor.
Hardwood: If only a small area is affected, individual planks can often be replaced. However, if the damage is widespread, sanding and refinishing may be necessary. In extreme cases, you may need to replace the floor entirely.
Laminate: Laminate flooring tends to swell when exposed to water, so replacement is usually the best option.
Carpet: Carpets may be salvageable if dried quickly, but in many cases, they’ll need to be replaced, especially if mold has developed.
Tile: Tiles themselves are water-resistant, but if water has seeped beneath them, the subfloor may need attention.
Prevent Future Water Damage
To avoid future incidents, identify and fix the source of the water problem. Whether it’s sealing windows, repairing a leaky pipe, or ensuring proper drainage around your home, taking preventive measures will protect your floors in the future.
Flooring Installation & More in Poulsbo, WA (Just Minutes from Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Bethel & Bainbridge Island, Washington)
Recovering your floors after water damage can be a time-consuming process, but with the right approach, you can restore them to their original state. Acting quickly to remove water, dry the area, and repair any damage will prevent long-term problems like mold and structural issues. For significant damage, it’s always a good idea to consult with professionals from Got Floored West Sound who specialize in water damage restoration. At Got Floored West Sound, we have the knowledge and tools to restore flooring as well as replace your current flooring. Call or stop by today at Got Floored West Sound and explore the many options we have on site.
