Hardwood Floor Water Damage Repair

The expense for restoring water-impacted hardwood floors can change based on the severity of the damage and the size of the area affected. Generally, mending small sections can begin in the ballpark of a few hundred dollars. If the impairment extends greatly, it could cost more, sometimes reaching several thousand dollars. You'd also take into account the expenditure for materials or any additional work that might be necessary, such as mold removal or the sanding and refinishing of the floor. It would be wise to get multiple estimates from different contractors before making a final choice, so that you might have a clearer picture of the expense you could be facing.

Hardwood floors can oftentimes still be repaired after water damage. But how well they can be fixed depends on how bad the damage is. If the water was cleaned up quickly, the floors might only need to be dried. If the water soaked into the wood for a long time, the wood might have swelled, warped, or even grown mold. And in that case, the damaged pieces might need to be replaced. It's important to get the floors fixed as soon as possible to prevent more problems. And sometimes, getting help from a professional is the best way to make sure the repair is done right.

Your insurance policy dictates what is covered. The majority of typical homeowner's insurance policies do cover water damage that occurs suddenly and accidentally, like from a plumbing pipe that burst. However, these same policies usually do not cover damage that results from flooding or from a long-term leak that you didn't get around to fixing. You should really look at your policy or call your insurance company to find out what's actually included.

Yes, wood can sometimes be saved from water damage if you act quickly. The first step is to dry the area thoroughly. This can be done easily with fans or a dehumidifier. After the area is dried, check the wood for any warping or mold. Very slight warping is nothing to be alarmed about. It might rectify itself as the wood dries. If you see severe bending, however, then your only recourse thereafter may be to sand the floor and refinish it. You could replace some planks of wood if necessary. And remember that pausing to catch your breath is not an option unless you want the wood to absorb even more moisture.

When determining the cost of repairing or replacing water-damaged hardwood floors, it is essential to consider all expenses. Generally, most of the time, repairing is less expensive than replacing. When you repair, you fix only the parts that are damaged, which is a great way to save some cash. But if the floor has sustained heavy damage or a large part of it is compromised, you may very well need to replace it. In some cases, you might even want to bring in a flooring expert to inspect the damage and give you a professional opinion.

Wet hardwood flooring can quickly start to show distortions. In some cases, you may see changes in just a couple of days. It depends on the amount of water present and how quickly the wood takes it in. If the surrounding area was already damp and stays that way, then the wood will show changes even sooner. Speed is of the essence when it comes to drying wood floors, since the alternative is wood that buckles and/or warps.

Some hardwood floors cannot be refinished if they are too thin or have been damaged too much. If the floor is really old and has been sanded many times before, it might be too thin for another refinishing. Also, engineered hardwood floors might not be able to to be refinished if the top layer of real wood is too thin. If there is water damage, rot, or warping, it might be better to replace the damaged parts instead of trying to refinish them. Sometimes, the cost and effort to refinish a badly damaged floor are not worth it, and replacing might be the best choice.

Restoring 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring generally runs from $2,000 to $5,000. Factors that can bump the price up include: the type of wood; the level of damage to the floor; and your location. Picking special finishes can also increase the cost. Of course, doing the project yourself can save quite a bit of money. But unless you're an experienced DIYer, it's quite easy to mess up and end up having to pay someone to fix your fix. Thus, it makes sense to get at least three estimates from pros before deciding to go either with them or with the DIY route.

Certainly, you can substitute a single plank of hardwood flooring. If you perceive a compromised plank—something that appears scratched or stained, for example—you can remedy the situation without tearing out and replacing the whole floor. First, acquire a piece of wood that matches the species and color of your existing floor. Though you might think this is a simple task—just pull out the old piece and pop in the new—you will need to employ some finesse and possibly a couple of special tools, like a chisel and a handsaw, to get the old plank out without damaging the surrounding flooring. Once you have the old piece out, get the new one in, and your floor will look as good as new.

Hardwood floors that always look great come in colors that never go out of style. Classic takes on plank flooring might feature natural wood tones, like oak or walnut. These are warm and inviting colors that nearly always match any kind or style of decor you may have. Next, a rich, deep brown is a hue that never seems to die and imparts any room it is found in with an elegant and cozy feel. Lighter colors also seem to be having a moment. Pale grays, for example, and whitewashed lumber are taking the design world by storm. Both colors make any space feel much larger and brighter. That said, natural wood tones, rich and deep browns, and lighter colors make hardwood floors anything but pedestrian. And they certainly help keep whatever room one is in stylish.