More and more people are opting for wood floors for their homes. While some like the classic appeal of these floors, others like their durability and longevity. Thanks to their natural rustic beauty, you won’t need carpet or tiles. Now, this is certainly great because carpets tend to attract dirt, germs, and dust.Â
However, there’s the only downside to wood floors. They are a high-maintenance flooring option and need special care to look beautiful for years to come. Wood floors are particularly susceptible to water damage. So, if there’s a roof leak in your home or there’s some accident like a pipe burst happened in your home, timely action can make all the difference.
Signs of Water Damaged Wood Floors
Water damage that occurred to wood can either be visible right away or it may take months for the signs to appear. So, keep an eye out for the common signs of water-damaged wood floors.
Discoloration: You’ll notice a change in color of your wood floors in areas where water has infiltrated the wood.
Buckling:Â Buckling happens when the water is allowed to sit under the wood for a long period.
 Cupping: Generally, wood floor cupping happens due to the presence of excess moisture on the floors.Â
In all of these cases, you’ll need to address the underlying cause of water damage immediately to retain the beauty of your wood floors. In extreme cases, you may even need to replace the damaged parts of the floor to avoid any structural damage.
What Happens If You Allow Water To Sit On Wood Floors?
In case of water damage, water can seeps into the floors through cracks where it is hard to remove. If your home has a pipe burst, it can cause severe flooding in your home. This, in turn, can cause irreparable damage to your wood floors. In such a situation, don’t delay hiring experienced professionals to remove all traces of water from your floors to control the damage.
One thing you should always keep in mind is to never allow water to sit on your wood floors. If the wood floors are kept submerged in water for more than 24 hours, you might even need to replace the floor due to extensive damage.
As soon as your floor gets wet - be it due to something minor like spilling a cup of water or serious flooding from an accident like a pipe burst - it is crucial to address the problem immediately. If maintained properly, your wood floor can easily last a lifetime without any major issues.
How To Deal With Mold Issues On Floors?
Mold thrives in a moist environment. In places with excess moisture, mold can grow and multiply quickly, and if left unchecked, it can spread to every corner of your house in just a couple of days. That’s why make sure to pay close attention to the areas of your home that are prone to moisture damage such as your wood floors.
Types of Mold
Mold and fungus can grow anywhere where there is the presence of excess moisture and warmth. According to research, there are more than over 100,000 varieties of molds in the world. Black mold, in particular, has a tendency to spread quickly and has the following characteristics.
- It usually infests cellulose-rich materials
- It thrives in moist and warm environments
- It can produce Mycotoxins
- It is usually found in soil
Mold clean-up by skilled professionals can fix the damage and prevent more serious issues down the line. If there’s a mold problem in your home, professional mold remediation experts must be contacted immediately.
Cleanup Methods Used By Professionals
Professional mold clean-up uses a variety of time-tested methods by fully trained and experienced technicians to get rid of all traces of mold from your home. In many cases, professionals will inspect your home first to check the type and severity of mold issues you’re dealing with. Then they will take all the necessary measures such as controlling air and setting up barriers for effective containment.Â
To learn more about wood floors or land for sale in Alabama, contact Alabama Landsource today!
