Warped Wood

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Close up of wood floor separated and swelled from water damage.

Despite their added value to a home and general durability, an unfortunate fact of hardwood flooring is that, once water damaged, it will swell and buckle; causing lifted and uneven floors. Several factors determine whether water-damaged hardwood floors may be salvageable in a way that makes financial sense. Two of the most influential factors impacting its ability to recover are the severity and duration of water exposure.

For the best chance of restoring a hardwood floor after water damage, here are some contributing factors:

• The rapid removal of pooling water before it is absorbed is critical. This can be done by water damage professionals with wet/dry vacuums and powerful water extractors.
• Wood floors affected by water should be thoroughly scrubbed and sanitized before air-drying to mitigate the potential for mold contamination.
• Industrial dehumidifiers must be kept running 24 hours a day to reduce moisture content. High-volume air movers are also utilized to continuously circulate air and expedite drying.
• Moisture content reading of the wood must be taken at regular intervals to determine when the optimum moisture percentage is achieved.

At SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee, and South Tempe, we understand that flooding often comes quickly and unexpectedly, thereby causing extensive damage. That is why we are equipped and capable of offering mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction services for hardwood flooring with minimal to extensive damage.

Our phones are staffed daily to take your call and dispatch our crews as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and restore your home, “Like it never even happened.”