Wood flooring is a sleek, durable material that will last for years. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to water damage. From high humidity and small spills to burst pipes and floods, there are many ways water can affect your hardwood. The guide below explains how to protect your wood floors from water problems.

How to Prevent Water Damage on Wood Floors

1. Refinish & Seal Regularly

Routine maintenance keeps your hardwood strong and looking good as new. Depending on how rough you are on your floors, you should regularly sand, stain, and coat them with a few coats of sealant. The process of refinishing and sealing wood flooring will not make it impervious to water, but it will provide an additional layer of protection.

2. Inspect Your Plumbing

Leaking pipes are a common cause of flooding and water damage. Consider scheduling yearly maintenance checks on your plumbing, especially if you live in an older house. Staying on top of your plumbing could help save you hundreds to thousands of dollars in water damage.

3. Pinpoint the Source of Leaks

If you notice signs of a leak—such as mold on walls or water stains on ceilings—have an expert identify the source of the problem immediately. The more the source is left to leak, the more harm it will cause. Roof leakage, broken pipes, leaky household appliances, and storm damage are just a few possible suspects. You will need to fix the source before addressing the water damage.

4. Remove Water Quickly

Once the source of a leak is identified and dealt with, quickly remove the water and dry your floors. Even simple spills from a glass of water can cause damage over time. If you have wood flooring near sinks or other plumbing fixtures, put down absorbent bath mats and rugs. When it comes to dealing with standing water, use a wet vacuum to suction all visible liquid. Turn on fans, run your A/C, and put out dehumidifiers to keep your home well-ventilated and speed the drying process.

5. Clean Your Floors Carefully

While keeping your floors clean is an important part of maintenance, methods that involve liquid solutions like mopping may do more harm than good. Regularly sweep or vacuum hardwood to get rid of dirt, dust, and other particles. For thorough sanitizing, find a reliable cleaning solution specifically made for hardwood and carefully follow the instructions on the label. Proper care will ensure your hardwood shines for years to come.

Are you dealing with water damage due to a leak, or even rotted wood floors? Contact the professionals at Cross Carpet Repair & More for fast and efficient replacement solutions. Serving the Greater Lexington area for over 30 years, they provide reliable flooring repairs on a wide range of materials, including hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet. To schedule a consultation about your wood flooring, call (859) 225-3863. Visit their website for more information about their services.