How Water Damage Can Affect Flooring

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

How Can Water Damage Affect Your Flooring?

When dealing with damage caused by a pipe break or flooding one of the first concerns many homeowners in North Miami, FL, may have can be for their floors. Damage can occur regardless of the type of flooring, and treatment may be different in each case.

Cement, Stone or Tile Flooring

Tile, stone and cement are common flooring types found in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen areas where water damage is the most likely to happen. Damage to these floors occurs most often when water gets into cracks and seeps under the flooring. Here are some signs to look for:

• Loose tiles
• Stains around chips or cracks in the flooring
• Hollow sounds beneath stones or tiles
• Areas where the grout or caulking is crumbling

Carpeted Flooring

A pipe break can occur in other areas of the house and cause damage to carpeting. In most cases, restoration may be possible if the carpet can be thoroughly dried. It’s also important to be aware of the water source in cases like these because carpeting damaged by an unclean source should be replaced. Signs of damage may include:

• Staining or discoloration of the material
• A change in the material’s texture
• Loose material or spot like bubbling in areas near a water source

Wood Flooring

The type of wood your floors are comprised of can have a direct impact in how much damage they may endure. Hardwoods don’t soak in water as quickly as soft woods, so hardwoods may be more resistant to damage. Sealants may also help. Some signs of damage in wood floors include:

• Buckling or cupping areas in the wood
• Wearing or pealing sealant
• Discoloration in the wood

A pipe break or flooding can cause water damage to your flooring. Whether you have wood flooring, tile or carpet, restoration professionals in North Miami, FL, may be able to help. Remember, the affects water damage can have on your floors can vary by flooring type. Drying and restoration methods may also be different.