Hardwood floors are elegant, durable, and add value to your home. However, water damage caused by leaks, spills, and other factors can affect the look and practical value of your floors if you don’t address it. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to work with water damage repair professionals to restore your flooring.

How to Tell If Wood Floors Have Water Damage

1. Discoloration & Condensation

If you notice that certain boards on the floor are dark and blotchy, water has affected the area and saturated the wood. Additionally, if water droplets continually appear on the surface of the floor, even after you wipe them up, there’s likely moisture trapped in or beneath the boards.

In some cases, humidity can also cause persistent condensation.  Investing in a dehumidifier might help protect your floor in the future.

2. Buckling

When the wood floor pulls away from the subfloor, this is called buckling. Typically, it results from excess water in the subfloor getting absorbed by the wood. If unaddressed, the boards can separate several inches from the subfloor, creating a visible bulge.

Over time, excess moisture will make buckling floors structurally unsound, and if too much weight is put on them, they may collapse. Depending on the severity of the buckling, your floor may need to be replaced entirely.

3. Mold & Pests

Mold thrives in dark, moist spaces, like the area beneath your floor when there is a leak. If you smell musty odors or you or a loved one experiences uncomfortable symptoms due to a mold allergy, like sneezing and itchy or watery eyes, it is time for water damage repair.

Pests such as termites and silverfish also love moist wood. So, if you notice evidence of pests, like small holes in wood or small piles of sawdust, you should also check for signs of water damage to find the source of the problem.

Keep your wood floors looking their best with the help of Cross Carpet Repair & More in Lexington, KY. For over three decades, this team has provided customers throughout the region with exceptional flooring installation and repair services for tile, laminate, and wood. In addition to water damage repairs, they also offer pet stain removal, carpet restretching, and custom designs. To schedule flooring service, call (859) 225-3863. Browse the website to see a full list of services.