There are many different types of hardwoods with their own individual strengths. Whether one is more durable or decorative, your floors are always susceptible to conditions such as cupping, crowning, and buckling.
Whether it’s the humidity in your home or water seeping into the hardwood, it’s important to know the common signs of water damage. Here are three signs of water damage to look for on your hardwood floors.
1. Cupping
Cupping occurs when moisture gets trapped inside of hardwood floors. This trapped moisture causes the floorboards to sink in the middle, making the edges rise up. According to a post from Wagner Meters, cupping can occur from leaking water or humidity changes in your home.
Finding the source of water early on will negate the chance of having to invest in new hardwood floors.
2. Crowning
Crowning is the opposite of cupping and causes your hardwood floors to arch up, giving them a bumpy feel and appearance.
The first step in fixing crowned floors is finding the source of moisture. A video from Build Direct points out that you shouldn’t install hardwood floors in a room that contains a lot of moisture. Before installing your hardwood floors you should make sure your subfloor is dry to avoid trapping moisture. Most importantly, having a professional inspect your floors will narrow down the problem and offer the best solution.
Moisture can make your floorboards separate and absorb more water, which we discuss next.
3. Buckling
Buckling is a product of water damage that causes your hardwood to drift apart and lift up from the subfloor. According to Hunker, buckling is usually the product of water damage and high humidity. However, it can happen when the hardwood isn’t properly acclimated to the room it’s in.
There are a few things you can do to resolve buckling floors. The main thing you need to do is locate the source of water that’s seeping into the floorboards. Look for appliances such as dishwashers or pipes under the sink. If water is in the subfloor, removing the excess water will resolve the problem and bring the boards back together over time. If all else fails, call on a professional to rule out any other possibilities.
Tips for Preventing Water Damage to Your Hardwood Floors
Keeping a close eye on your hardwood floors should be standard procedure for homeowners. While the hustle and bustle of work and children may occupy your attention, it’s important to keep an eye out for problems with your hardwood flooring. Catching sources of water early on can prevent defects to hardwood floors.
Remember: You can reduce water damage to hardwood by immediately cleaning up excess water and drying out floors with a dehumidifier. For long-term prevention, you can have your home inspected for leaks in pipes or your roof.
Next Steps for Fixing the Damage to Your Hardwood Floors
It’s hard to keep an eye on every aspect of your house but water damage to hardwood floors can cause a headache. Water damage to hardwood floors can be easy to catch but may have lasting effects on the wood if not found in time.
It’s important to know a good flooring company that specializes in hardwood floors, as they can better assist your flooring needs. Trust My Affordable Flooring for hardwood floor repair in the Greater Milwaukee area. Call us today for a free quote.
