A homeowner in Pembroke, NH recently called in a panic. She had a leak in her upstairs bathroom that had gone unnoticed while the family was traveling out of town.
There had been several inches of water that had flooded the lower level of her home. While the water had been removed, she was concerned about the damage to her hardwood floors and looking for any tips to head off the lasting effects.
Water and Hardwood Flooring Do Not Mix but Damage Can Be Minimized
This homeowner had already taken a step in the right direction by removing the water as soon as it was discovered. She also removed area rugs and mats that were on the hardwood floor that could retain moisture, continuing to cause damage.
We recommended that she clean the entire wood surface with a non-suds disinfectant cleaner and a soft scrub brush. This ensures that any debris and bacteria from the flood is removed from the hardwood floor. From here she placed a dehumidifier in each room for 24 hours. Many times while the flooring will look and feel dry to the touch, there is still some underlying moisture within the board. Left unaddressed, this can lead to an even bigger problem with mold.
Hardwood flooring can take several days to dry out. A moisture testing meter can give you a good indication of the progress. The key with hardwood flooring exposed to water is to address the situation immediately. This homeowner in Pembroke was fortunate that despite having been left for several days while the home was empty, the flooring did dry out and the lasting damage was minimal.