Water Damaged Wood Flooring

Does it need to be replaced? How to repair.

Water-damaged wood flooring can be a real headache. If not repaired properly, it can lead to even more damage and potential problems down the road. So, does water-damaged wood flooring need to be replaced? And how can you go about repairing it?

In this guide, we will answer these questions and provide you with some helpful tips for repairing your water-damaged wood floors.

7 Signs of Wood Floor Water Damage

Water-damaged wood floors can exhibit a number of different symptoms, depending on the severity and duration of the water damage. Here are seven common signs of water damage to wood floors:

Discoloration

If water has been sitting on your wood floors for a while, it may cause the stain to fade or change color.

Buckling and warping

These are two signs that water damage has occurred in wood flooring. Water can get underneath the boards of wood flooring, causing them to warp or buckle up.

Cupping

Cupping occurs when the edges of the boards curve up due to moisture getting underneath them.

Rising and shrinking

These are also common signs of water damage in wood flooring. When wood floors get wet, they will often swell up. And after they dry out, they may shrink, creating gaps in between the boards.

A musty odor

A musty smell can be a result of mold growing underneath your wood floors.

Mold or mildew

If you see any mold or mildew growing on your wood floors, this is a sure sign of water damage. If the surface mold is removed, it could potentially release mold spores into the air, which can be harmful to your health.

Soft floorboards

If you can press down on your wood floors and they feel spongy, this could indicate water damage. Solid hardwood flooring is supposed to be hard and sturdy.

Causes of Wood Floor Water Damage

There are many possible causes of water damage to wood floors.

Water leaks - One common cause is when a pipe or appliance begins leaking, and the leak goes unnoticed for some time before it is discovered. In this case, the flooring may be damaged beyond repair because there has been too much exposure to moisture over an extended period of time.
Flooding - Another common cause of water damage to a typical hardwood floor is flooding. Whether it's a result of severe weather conditions or an overflowing sink, if your wood floors are exposed to too much water for too long, they will likely sustain some damage.
Improper installation - If your wood flooring wasn't installed properly, it could lead to water damage down the road. For example, if the boards are not properly sealed or there is a space between the floor and the wall, water can seep in and cause damage.
HVAC leaks - If your HVAC unit is leaking water, it could potentially damage your wood floors.
Humidity - If you have high levels of humidity in your home, it could cause your wood floors to swell and cup.

Does Water Damaged Wood Flooring Need to be Replaced?

The answer to this question depends on the severity of your water-damaged wood flooring. If you have a small area that has been affected, it’s possible to repair it and save money in the long run by not having to replace all your wood floors because they were damaged due to an accident or natural disaster such as flooding.

However, if the water damage is more severe and has caused your flooring to buckle or warp, it may be best to replace the entire floor.

If you’re not sure whether or not your wood floors need to be replaced, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional before making any decisions.

How to Prevent Wood Floor Water Damage

There are a few things you can do to prevent water damage from occurring in the first place.

Always check for leaks

Periodically inspect your home’s pipes and appliances to make sure there are no leaks. If you find any, get them fixed right away before they cause major damage.

Keep an eye out for signs of water damage

It is important to watch out for the six common signs of wood floor water damage so that you can address any issues as soon as they occur.

Monitor humidity levels

If your home has high levels of humidity, try to find a way to bring them down. You may need to invest in a dehumidifier if this is the case.

Keep your wood floors clean and dry

Make sure you sweep and mop your floors regularly, and avoid using excessive amounts of water when cleaning.

Install a moisture barrier

If you have a concrete subfloor consult, installing a moisture barrier can help protect your wood flooring from water damage.

If you’re ever unsure about the health of your wood floors, it’s always best to consult with an expert to ensure that the problem isn’t something serious.

How to Repair Wood Floor Water Damage

If the water-damaged hardwood floors are not too severe, you may be able to repair them yourself. However, if the damage is more extensive, you will likely need to hire a professional to do the job for you.

Here are the basic steps involved in repairing hardwood floor water damage:

Remove all wet and damaged boards - The first step is to remove all of the wet and damaged boards from your floor. This may require a saw to cut them out.
Replace the damaged boards - Once you have removed all of the wet and damaged boards, inspect your subfloor to make sure there is no additional damage. If everything looks good, you can start replacing the wood flooring with new planks that match what's already in place.
Let everything dry completely - Make sure both your subfloor and flooring are dry before putting everything back together because if they are wet, they may warp or buckle again.
Clean the subfloor - Next, you'll need to clean the subfloor thoroughly so that there is no residual moisture left behind. If the existing flooring cannot be saved, you may need to replace it with new wood or laminate.
Deal with mold on wood under the paint - If you have mold on wood under paint, it will need to be removed and treated before you can proceed with repairing the water damage.
Sand and refinish - Finally, sand down your flooring, so it is smooth again, then refinish it to give it a fresh coat of paint or stain. This will help protect against future water damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to repair water-damaged hardwood flooring?

The cost of repairing a water-damaged hardwood floor depends on the extent of the damage. If water-damaged floors need to be replaced entirely, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1500 (or more).

Can water-damaged wood flooring be repaired?

Yes! If your wood floors are still in good condition but have been exposed to excess moisture over time, they can often be sanded and refinished with no problem at all. However, if there’s a large amount of damage from standing water, the boards will likely need replacement flooring instead.

How do you fix a swollen wood floor?

To fix a swollen wood floor, you will need to replace the damaged boards with new ones that are the same size and shape as those removed. If there is any remaining moisture left behind on your sub-flooring after removing all wet areas from above, make sure it has dried completely before replacing any boards or applying any finishes such as paint or stain.

How do you dry a water-damaged wood floor?

The best way to completely dry out a wood floor that has been damaged by water is with heat and fan circulation. It may also help if you have fans running in the room where there’s standing water on top of your hardwood floors so air can circulate better.

You can use a vacuum hose to suck the water out from under the flooring as well. If you have a concrete subfloor, consult with an expert about installing a moisture barrier to help protect your wood floors in the future.

Can you put a rug over water-damaged wood floors?

It is not recommended to put rugs over water-damaged wood floors. This will only make the problem worse, as it will trap moisture underneath the rug and cause further damage. If your flooring is already damaged, it’s best to remove any rugs and replace them with some that are more water-resistant.

Water-damaged wood flooring can be repaired if the damage is not too severe. However, if the flooring is extensively damaged or there is evidence of mold growth, it may be best to replace the entire floor.

If you’re unsure about whether your wood floors require repair or replacement, contact a professional for an assessment and estimate on how much it would cost to fix them up.