Water Under Hardwood Floor

As a hygroscopic material wood will typically absorb or let off moisture until it reaches an equilibrium with its environment.

Water under hardwood floor. If minor cupping does occur the floor may be restorable. Additionally excess moisture can promote the growth of mold and bacteria weakening the wood and creating health hazards when they multiply. Do not pour the water onto the floor there s no reason to add more water to the problem. Water as with just about any household issue is almost always the cause of hardwood floor warping.

Next dry the floors completely by pumping out standing water then mop and towel the surface dry. Hardwood flooring systems are incredibly sensitive to moisture. Remove the bulk moisture. This can be caused by changes in temperature and the issue often occurs during a seasonal transition.

Typically this type of flooring is glued to the substrate. Floor buckling is the most extreme reaction to moisture in a hardwood floor. Floor buckling happens most often after a floor has been flooded for an extended period of time. Buckling occurs when the wood flooring actually pulls up from the subfloor lifting several inches in one or more places.

Check for mold and mildew caused by the water once the floor is visibly dry. Scrub thoroughly to remove all dirt mud silt and organic material all of which can promote mold growth. Best tips for water removal and drying your hardwood floors after a flood 1. Determine of the floor is salvageable.

Scrub the entire floor and all related woodwork baseboards stairs and newel posts etc with a stiff brush rinsing the brush frequently in the bucket. If water or moisture continues to penetrate the wood. Usually it s due to humidity or moisture. If found scrub the floor with a mixture of six tablespoons of washing soda and one gallon of water.

So if the water is removed quickly there is a good chance you can save this type of flooring. Solid wood floors that have cupped but are not completely buckled stand the. Make sure you find and stop the source of the water damage. To dry beneath wood floors which have been flooded first you should remove any wet floor coverings such as rugs or carpet.

Therefore water will take some time before it penetrates. Use fans to circulate the air in your home and have patience as your floors dry. Fortunately this is not a common occurrence. Mix a mild detergent and a compatible disinfectant such as mr.

Remove all of the other wet items out of the area ideally move furniture and all other such items.