A sealant, like wax or polyurethane, will help protect your wood floor from water damage. Sealants can't make your wood floors completely waterproof. They can give them a layer of protection so you have time to clean up spills before any damage is done.
Use Bath Mats and Rugs
Make sure your bath mats have a rubber backing that keeps moisture from getting through to the floor. When the bath mats or rugs get wet, hang them up to dry so that the moisture doesn't seep into the hardwood floor.
Water is the enemy of hardwood flooring. Due to the porous nature of wood, moisture can be easily absorbed into the material. So your flooring may show signs of staining from small spills. The wet floor may also begin to buckle and cup when large amounts of water are absorbed as the planks swell.
How long does it take for water to damage wood floors? According to the EPA, mold is capable of growing on most materials (including wood) within 48 to 72 hours. Other damage, such as staining or buckling, can show up in as little as two to seven days.
But as you're about to find out, water doesn't always cause damage immediately after a leak develops. For instance, it takes up to 10 days for wood to start rotting due to water exposure.
How Much Water Does it Take to Damage Hardwood Flooring? An acceptable or normal moisture content in hardwood flooring usually ranges between 6 and 12 percent, but flooded wood flooring can often have up to a 40 percent moisture content, which means there is severe damage.
Stained or Discolored Floors
If your wood surfaces show water stains or discoloration, you may have water damage. Some signs of damage to look for include: Dark or discolored spots on your floors. Black staining or splotches.
Vinegar and Ammonia: Cleaning products that have a base of vinegar or ammonia eat away at the dirt on your floor - and also the floor's finish itself. Overtime, the acid will wear down your hardwood, leaving you with splotchy patches that are difficult to revive.
Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that are highly durable and water resistant, making them the best clear coat for wood protection.
Weatherproofing wood and masonry will not only prevent it from moisture damage, but it also protects it from UV rays, humidity, frost and insect damage. Waterproofing wood and masonry will not completely make it immune to potential damage, but it will lengthen its lifespan.
Yes, hardwood floors are beautiful, but leaving them as-is can lead to scratches, injuries, and more. Covering up the hardwood in your home is not only a good idea, but a necessary step for maintaining the quality of your flooring and the safety of your family.
Mold grows on organic materials in environments with high humidity or trapped moisture. Unfortunately for your hardwood floors that means they are vulnerable to damage and mold growth underneath them when there has been water or flood damage.
You can remove water stains from wood with household products like distilled white vinegar, toothpaste, and even mayonnaise. Light stains are newer and can be removed using surface treatments like polish. Dark stains are older and have mildew growth; you'll need to sand the piece to get rid of them.
Baking Soda
Baking is a household staple used for several cleaning tasks, including removing haze from engineered hardwood floors, cleaning grease off hardwood floors, and, most importantly, removing moisture. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, which is an effective absorbent material.
Depending on the severity of damage, the hardwood floors may only need to be refinished. In some cases patching is required to replace the damaged boards prior to refinishing. In the worst case scenario, the entire floor needs to be removed and replaced.
Once a week, wood floors should be cleaned in high traffic areas with a damp mop. Low traffic areas can be done less frequently, like once a month or once a quarter. Unsealed wood floors are more susceptible to water, so make sure that the mop is just slightly damp.
The first sign of water damage is usually cupping, which is when the edges of the boards start to curl up. If the boards are not dried out within 24-48 hours, they will start to warp and potentially crack. In severe cases, the floor may need to be completely replaced.
Some alternatives to remove watermarks on wood include rubbing either a baking soda mixed with water, a mixture of vinegar and olive oil, dissolved salt on water, or toothpaste on the spot in a circular motion until the stain disappears.
Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the fiber of the wood, causing boards to warp and discolor.
Use a Sealant
Polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer all have proven waterproofing properties. You can brush or spray them onto clean, sanded lumber. Then, allow the sealant of your choice to dry completely. Finally, re-coat and re-sand as needed.
Saturate a rag or sponge mop in your cleaning solution. Wring it out thoroughly so the mop is damp, not wet. Mop the floor with the cleaner, being careful to not put too much liquid on the floor. Rinse the mop with clean water, wring out excess, and damp mop the floor to remove the cleaner.