3 Tips on Protecting Wood Flooring from Water Damage

Authentic wood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. However, wood is more susceptible to water damage than other materials. No homeowner wants to see discoloration, warping, or stress on hardwood flooring. Although regular cleanings and maintenance will keep floors shining bright, water damage can quickly unravel years of care. A few additional steps to your usual hardwood floor care routine will help keep wood floors in pristine condition.

Wood and Water Damage

Wood is a hygroscopic material. This means that although its been factory treated, it will absorb and release water to reach equilibrium with indoor water levels. Grand Island homeowners may struggle with maintaining a steady interior state. If conditions aren’t right, wooden floors can buckle and crown. To combat this, it’s important to understand the basic principles of hardwood floor care to keep your wood floors looking new. Take a look at these simple tips to avoid water damage to your flooring:

1. Remove Water Quickly – One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent water from tarnishing hardwood is to be proactive at drying up water spills. Without too much thought, a neglected water spill can seep underneath the wood paneling and into the subfloor. If left for too long, the accumulation of water manifests itself as a warped, unstable floor. In most cases, children are the common culprits behind this one. Remind family members to clean up spills and discard water cups after use since wood reparations can be costly. Additionally, invite guests to either wipe down wet shoes at the door or remove them.
2. Invest in a Humidifier – Weather in Grand Island is notorious for abrupt changes. Rising and falling humidity levels can cause floors to stretch and contract, causing moisture to adhere to wooden surfaces. To protect flooring from water damage, indoor humidity levels should fall between 50-70%. A humidifier (or dehumidifier) is an easy and cost-effective way to regulate the humidity level. They can be purchased at your local hardware store or online. A more permanent option is to install an indoor humidity regulator. Regardless, hardwood likes consistency.
3. Clean correctly – Using water or a water-based formula for regular cleanings causes damage. Formulas specifically for hardwood flooring can be found at most local grocery stores. After cleaning properly, be sure to dry the floors so excess moisture can’t seep into crevices. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance as floors are diverse in their care procedures.

Preventing water damage to hardwood floors is as simple as cleaning up quickly, knowing what to use for cleaning, and regulating humidity levels. However, accidents happen. Attempting a do-it-yourself restoration project often causes further damage to flooring. In order to maintain the integrity of the wood, hiring a professional is the best course of action. Yellow Van Restoration in Grand Island is well-equipped to remediate compromised wood flooring. We take pride in a job well done. If you’ve experienced any degree of water damage, give us a call!