Save Money and Fix Water Damaged Wood Floors for Good with These Tips
Repairing Water Damaged Wood Floors
Hardwood floors are ideal for home flooring, bringing an aesthetic appeal, ease of care, and eco-friendly benefits. However, due to their sensitivity to water, prolonged exposure can lead to damage such as staining and warping, which can be minor or severe and require replacement of some boards. Luckily, with the following tips you can repair water damaged wood floors without having to replace them.
The first step when dealing with water damage is to dry the floor as much as possible, mopping up the water before using a fan or hair dryer set to low to effect the subfloor beneath the hardwood. Additionally, if you have access to the floor from below, you can apply heat to assist in drying.
If once the floor is dry, it is left with a white hazy film, you can use a soft cotton cloth or a mild abrasive such as toothpaste, polishing compound, or even a mixture of tobacco ashes and mineral oil, to buff away the residue. But if the damage is deeper, black staining may occur that goes beyond the surface. To try and get rid of surface stains, you must use a three-step process. First mark the work area with painter’s tape and then use 60 to 120 grit sandpaper to remove the surface finish, ensuring no rough patches. Next, create an oxalic acid crystal solution with warm water, apply to the stained area, and use a brush to spread. Allow to dry and if necessary, repeat until desired effect is achieved. Finally, use wood stain to match the floor and seal the repaired area with polyurethane.
Warped boards are a possibility with water damage. To repair these boards, you can use something heavy such as a pan of water to slightly warp the board—this can take a few days. If this isn’t effective, then you can try counter sinking nail heads along the edges and filling the holes with color matching wood fill or a color stick. If neither option works, it may be necessary to pull up the board and replace it.
However, with proper and prompt care and upkeep, water damaged wood floors can be repaired and last for years to come. Start by mopping up the moisture, dry the floor and the subfloor as best you can, and then take the necessary steps to get rid of staining and warping. Thankfully, staining can be taken out, and it is possible to flatten warped boards using one of the methods listed above. And, with this advice and practice, keep your hardwood flooring secure, ensuring it will provide the beauty that makes hardwood floors a classic choice for years to come.
