How To Dry Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors offer many benefits and are timeless. Wood flooring can be easily damaged by water. Wood flooring can be easily damaged by flooding, burst pipes and leaky roofs. Drying hardwood floors should be done correctly. These steps will ensure hardwood floors dry quickly following water damage.
- Clear the area
- Vacuum
- Scrub
- Dehumidify
- Fans in full blast
- Check for mold and mildew
- Meter-test for moisture
It is crucial to dry hardwood floors completely after a water emergency. Even sealed floors can absorb water if the flooding is too severe. When the floorboard sides expand above the center of the cupping, it is time to take out flood-damaged flooring. 911 Restoration of Washington DC, a water damage restoration specialist can dry hardwood floors correctly and minimize damage. Even if you think you’ve done a good job, you could end up spending more money to get it right than if you hired a professional. Every time you spend trying and secure the equipment, you run the risk to cause irreparable damage to your hardwood floors. These are the steps to follow if water has penetrated your hardwood floors.
Step 1: Clean the premises It is best to remove rugs and furniture from a wood floor that has been wet. If they are still damp, you can dry them outdoors. You can dry them outside if the flooding is caused by continued rain.
Step 2: Vacuum excess The next step is to dry the hardwood using a wet/dry cleaner. This vacuum is not intended to be used as a household vacuum. This is a unique version, which can be purchased at auto parts shops and home repair shops. Although the wet/dry vacuum can remove any water standing on the floor, it is not recommended that you stop vacuuming if it appears dry. To remove water from the wood, you should keep vacuuming. This could lead to wood damage.
Step 3: Clean the surface After you have dried all water, clean the hardwood floor using a non-sudsy cleaning agent. This will get rid of any dirt or debris that could store water in the pores. You can then use the dry/wet vacuum to remove any remaining water.
Step 4: For a full day, dehumidify The pores are to blame. The dehumidifier should be turned on at maximum power, and it should run for no less than 24 hours. Water-damaged wood can retain moisture. If you don’t have a professional-grade equipment, some home repair shops rent it. It is not recommended to use small dehumidifiers in your home for personal purposes.
Step 5: Get fans going Large fans can be used to circulate the air and dehumidify the room. Point the fans towards the floor. Turn on your air conditioner if you have it. The excess moisture must be let go. Make sure you open all windows at least 2 inches.
Step 6: Look out for mold and mildew According to the EPA, mold can grow in materials that have a minimum moisture content of 16% within 48-72 hours. The average wood floor moisture is between 6-12%. It doesn’t need to be wet for serious damage. While mildew is not as harmful as mold, it can still cause damage to wood from the inside. If you notice any unusual areas, it is important to immediately clean them. This can be done with only baking soda and water.
Step 7: Meter-test for moisture It is possible for tiny moisture specks to remain in wood even after all the fan-blasting and vacuuming. Only a moisture tester can determine if there is any moisture left. If the moisture tester tests positive, turn on the dehumidifier until the meter is clear.
Step 8: Time travel backwards from step 1 to call an expert such as 911 Restoration of Washington DC.
It is clear that removing water from flooded hardwood floors requires a lot of time and effort. DIY is expensive when you consider the cost of all the equipment you will need to rent and buy. There is also the possibility that your “pretty good job” may not be sufficient for a professional. The flooring will eventually need to be replaced. Don’t waste your time or money. Call a water damage restoration professional as soon as you notice the flooding. Floor drying specialists are cheaper than hardwood flooring replacement and provide peace of mind that the job was done properly.
911 Restoration Of Washington DC Is Available For You!
911 Restoration of Washington DC is a company with many years of experience in restoration. We will immediately do everything possible to minimize the damage to your wood floors. We will respond within 45 minutes to your call. Our emergency service is available 24/7. No job is too big or too small for us. Call us at 202-350-2244.
