Where to Start if your Wood Floor is Flooded
If your wood floor is flooded, you need to act immediately. Having flooded floors is a stressful situation, so we have written a simple step-by-step list for you to follow.
First, you should drain the excess water. Clean up any visible dirt and water using rags and towels. Clear any items that you can from thew flooded area if they are unaffected. Next, assess and document the damages. Anything that has been damaged by the water can be used in a flood insurance claim. Finally, before you call us, use air blowing equipment, and dehumidifiers if you have them.
At the end of this quick clean up process, if the floor shows signs of cupping and crowning, or you are worried, consult a professional hardwood flooring installer to help you get the floor back in shape.
Successful restoration of flooded hardwood depends on factors such as response time, type of wood, amount of moisture and the degree of water damage already present. In any case, consider hiring a professional disaster restoration company that can adapt to the situation and provide specialized equipment for efficient drying. While waiting for the specialists to arrive at your home, here’s what you can do:
- Stop the flow of water if the flooding occurred due to a burst pipe, washing machine failure or water heater failure.
- Turn off the power to the affected room until the water has been removed.
- Assess the damages before you begin the restoration in order to determine whether to clean up or replace the floor. Take photos, list damaged items and show them to your insurance company.
- Remove any items (carpet, furniture, etc.) from the floor and take them to a dry area. Wear protective gear such as gloves, rubber boots and a mask.
- Open windows and doors and to allow moisture to evaporate more quickly.
- Start removing the excess water with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or with mops and old cloth. If the water level is deep, use a pump to drain the water. Ask someone to help, since the longer the water stays on the floor, the higher the chances are for mold to grow and the bigger the damages will be.
- Use dehumidifiers, heaters and fans to speed up the drying process. Place them on top of an elevated surface in the flooded area and close the windows. Direct the fans towards the floor’s surface.
- Clean any debris and mud from the floor with non-abrasive brush and detergent while the heaters, fans and dehumidifiers are running. Rinse the floor with clean water and continue to dry the floor.
In conclusion, when dealing with a flooded hardwood floor, it is essential to act quickly and to contact a professional flood remediation company. At Puroclean of Scherervillewe can and will mitigate the damages and implement the best possible course of action.
We will take the time and care needed to ensure we are taking the best care possible while taking your needs and wishes into account during the process. Our IICRC certified restoration team has been providing expert property damage restoration services and taking care of families and communities for over twenty years.
Over the years, or team has come to know and understand the very best techniques of the industry, and how to best apply them to each individual property restoration need. If you or someone you know is facing property loss, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Call our technicians at (708)708-7876 for compassionate and professional care for you and your property. We take pride in delivering expert property damage restoration services to Alsip and nearby Illinois communities. Rain or shine, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we will be the ones to count on.
