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SERVPROSERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(865) 986-3015

How Does Water Damage Affect Wood Floors?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

water on wood floor SERVPRO knows how your Lenoir City hardwood flooring can be damaged by water. Call us today.

Wood Flooring in Lenoir City Can Be Impacted by Moisture But SERVPRO Technicians Know How to Mitigate the Damage.

If you were to take a tour of Lenoir City, you would discover many beautiful homes. Quite a few of the homes in the area have wood floors. Wood flooring adds to the ambiance of a home and can enhance any décor. They are also susceptible to damage from moisture when there is a water intrusion in the home. If not attended to immediately, the entire floor may need to be replaced. 

Why Are Wood Floors Easily Damaged When Home Flooding Happens?

Whenever there is a water disaster in a home, the flooring is often the most impacted. While there are flooring materials available with a low permeance level, they tend to be expensive. Because of this, they are not always used in a typical home. Wood and carpet readily absorb the moisture from the pooling that occurs. A water damage restoration company in Lenoir City is needed to prevent extensive damage from occurring. SERVPRO understands the need for fast mitigation. We respond to callouts as quickly as possible.

Understanding the Situation

Before repairing or restoring the flooring, the severity of the water damage must get addressed. Advanced technology and equipment such as hygrometers, moisture meters, and thermal imaging get used to provide the needed information. These tools allow technicians to determine the damage below the surface and find hidden pockets of moisture. Because subflooring can be impacted, it is vital to track water migration. When it comes to wood flooring and other wood structural elements, there are three primary water situations that SERVPRO deals with on the job. They include:

  • Free-flowing – At this point, the water has not altered the wood floors and is the easiest to mitigate. Water extraction is basic, and specialty squeegee wands get used to assist in the extraction.
  • Trapped water – Wood flooring is typically made of planks, and at this stage, the wood has started absorbing moisture. Because of the corrosive nature of water, more severe damage can take place if left unattended. Our technicians can often remove trapped liquid with technology, such as floor mat drying systems.
  • Bound moisture – Swelling and distortion occur when water molecules bond with the wood. Warping around the seams is a sign of this. When the wood flooring has become this damaged, the planks need to be replaced.

If your flooring is exposed for an extended length of time, it may need replacing. Controlled demolition is a technique that our technicians use to help homeowners and insurance companies save money. It involves removing only the damaged portions of structural components, such as floors. This reduces the material getting replaced and makes reconstruction more efficient. 

Can Finishes on Flooring Prevent Water Damage?

Different types of finishes can impact the level of permeance, or moisture absorption, on wood floors. These coatings are designed to protect the flooring and make them less permeable. The standard floor and wood finishing products include:

Is Mold a Problem with Wood Floors?

Anytime there is a need for water damage restoration, there is a risk of secondary damage such as mold. Mold develops quickly and thrives on organic material such as wood and drywall. Colonies can propagate and spread in as little as 48 hours. Hardwood floors do not dry overnight, and our team is extremely vigilant in watching for mold growth. SERVPRO has mold remediation specialists who can provide the optimal mold remediation if required.

How Quickly Does SERVPRO Arrive if I Have a Problem?

If your home has suffered a water loss, we respond within hours. We do our best to be there as quickly as possible. Fast mitigation is the key to proper water restoration. Whether you have a small kitchen sink leak that left water damage to the floor and cabinet or your downstairs is flooded from a washer overflow SERVPRO handles it all. Water damage cleanup can involve:

  • Emergency mitigation 
  • Water extraction using the right pump for the situation
  • Advanced drying techniques
  • Industrial-strength equipment
  • Antimicrobial treatment if needed
  • Controlled demolition
  • Build-back and reconstruction

As homeowners in the Lenoir City area, we understand how even the most minor home flooding can disrupt your life. That is why we provide professional, well-trained technicians that can assess your needs. They then put together a plan of action to get your home back in order as quickly as possible. 

Your wood flooring is an integral part of the look and feel of your home. Let us help you maintain your home after water damage. Contact SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015 for expert water damage restoration service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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