The short answer
How Water Damages Hardwood
Hardwood is porous, so it soaks up water quickly. When moisture gets into the grain, the boards swell and can cup or buckle. The damage gets worse the longer the wood stays wet, and mold can start growing within a day or two.
Clean water from a burst pipe is easier to handle than floodwater that carries mud and contaminants. The type of water affects how much of the floor can be saved. The pros will assess the moisture level and the extent of the damage before deciding what can stay.
What to Do Right After a Flood
Act quickly after a flood. Move furniture and rugs off the wet floor, and open windows or use fans to start air movement. Do not walk on the floor more than necessary, as that can push water deeper into the wood.
If the water is from a clean source, you might be able to dry it yourself for a small area. For a large flood, call the pros right away. They have industrial drying equipment that can pull moisture out of the wood and the subfloor beneath it.
- Turn off the water source if you can do so safely
- Remove area rugs and furniture from the wet floor
- Open windows and doors to increase airflow
- Use fans and a dehumidifier if you have them
- Do not use a regular vacuum on standing water
- Take photos of the damage for your records
When Boards Need Replacement
Some boards will not survive a flood. If the wood is severely warped, cracked, or starting to rot, it needs to go. The pros will remove those boards and replace them with new ones that match the existing floor as closely as possible.
The subfloor also matters. If the plywood or OSB underneath is soaked and delaminating, it may need replacement too. The pros will check the moisture content of both the hardwood and the subfloor to decide what can be saved and what must be torn out.
Drying and Refinishing Process
After the pros remove the worst boards, they set up drying equipment to pull moisture out of the remaining wood. This can take several days, depending on how wet the floor is. They will monitor the moisture levels until the wood is dry enough to work with.
Once dry, the floor can often be sanded and refinished. Sanding removes the top layer of damaged wood and restores the surface. The pros will then apply a new finish to protect the floor from future moisture. This process can bring back the look of your original floor.
Preventing Future Flood Damage
To protect your hardwood floors, fix leaky appliances and pipes promptly. Check your washing machine hoses and water heater for signs of wear. In Cypress, the humid climate and hurricane season mean you should know where your main water shutoff valve is.
Consider adding a water leak detection system that alerts you to leaks early. Also, keep your gutters clean and make sure your yard drains away from the house. These steps can reduce the risk of a flood that damages your floors.
Water damage does not wait
Call (281) 717-6340 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (281) 717-6340Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry hardwood floors after a flood?
Drying usually takes several days, sometimes up to a week, depending on how much water soaked in and the humidity level. The pros use industrial equipment to speed up the process. They will check moisture levels regularly to know when the wood is dry enough to refinish.
Is it safe to walk on wet hardwood floors?
You should avoid walking on wet hardwood if possible, because your weight can push water deeper into the wood and cause more damage. If you must walk on it, wear clean, dry shoes and move carefully. The pros will use protective boards to walk on while they work.
Will insurance cover hardwood floor damage from a flood?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Flood damage from a burst pipe is often covered by standard homeowners insurance, but flooding from outside water usually requires separate flood insurance. Check your policy and talk to your insurance company to understand your coverage.