Your hardwood flooring is a beautiful and unique part of your home,
Your hardwood flooring is a beautiful and unique part of your home, adding to the style and personality of each room you’ve installed it in. Even the strongest of hardwood flooring – and it is very durable – is not impervious to the dangers of water, however. Water can easily damage and, in some cases, destroy hardwood floors if there is enough of it for long enough. Luckily, you can prevent much damage that water can do simply by following these tips.
Types Of Water Damage
The damage that water can cause can range from minor to catastrophic, depending on the quantity of water and the length of time it sits. Minor damage includes discoloration and staining, and it usually you can be buff it. More severe damage is typically the result of substantial flooding, and it includes warping and splitting, with the damage often ranging from the floor to the walls and floorboards. Usually, this requires some and possibly all of the boards to be removed and replaced. In the worst cases, the damage can penetrate through the hardwood and impact the subfloor as well. Often this damage is accompanied by mold growth, which can be dangerous.
Taking Care Of Hardwood
Taking proper care of your hardwood floors is one of the best ways to prevent water damage. To start:
- Make sure you’re cleaning them correctly.
- Stick to vacuuming and sweeping unless you absolutely must mop. If you do mop, use a damp mop, not a wet one, and remove any residual moisture right away.
- Ensure that the humidity in your home is at the right level – too much or too little moisture can be a problem.
- Do the big jobs as needed.
- Apply a sealant to the floor periodically to help it resist water (wax every year or polyurethane every 3-4 years). If you do end up with water damage, know when to call the professionals for refinishing.
Preventing Water Damage
Preventing water damage comes down to controlling wetness and removing it as soon as possible. Prevention is better than reactiveness in this case: take time to check your plumbing since flooding from leaking or burst pipes could be a huge issue. Make sure your family knows not to leave wet stuff, like swim gear or muddy boots, on the hardwoods. Finally, if anything wet does end up on your hardwood floors, remove it immediately and wipe up any remaining moisture.
Ready for Beautiful Hardwood Floors? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.