Hardwood Floors and Water Damage: What You Should Know

Protecting the Natural Beauty of Your Home

Hardwood floors in your Kauai home are a beautiful investment, and we’re here to help you protect that investment. If you’ve ever left a glass of water on a piece of wood furniture, you may have learned the hard way that it doesn’t take much to do permanent damage. As a hygroscopic material, wood expands (or swells) when it comes into contact with moisture. The absorption of water through its pores can cause it to buckle, stain or warp. Prolonged contact can cause mold and eventually rot. A little research before the purchase of your flooring can go a long way to prevent this kind of damage.

When building your dream home, consider flooring that offers more resistance to damage. Hardwood is always a good choice, as both natural and engineered hardwood will provide the type of protection you need for a surface that will be frequently exposed to spills, leaks or high humidity. Choosing the right finish is equally important: an oil-based finish or a high quality lacquer adds a layer of water resistance. Remember that these preventative measures will slow the process of water absorption, but not completely prevent it. If you find that water has accumulated over a long period of time, you should call in a professional to inspect the subfloor and recommend next steps.

Even a well-sealed hardwood floor can have weak spots, so make sure that all water is cleaned up promptly. Damage can occur within just a few hours, especially around seams or nails. Use a floor cleaner that is safe for hardwood, as the wrong type of cleaner can eat through your sealant and leave your flooring vulnerable to damage. For wood surfaces in a bathroom, use your exhaust fan to keep the humidity in check. We mentioned hygroscopic before – this term specifically refers to moisture content that can occur in the air. Wood will draw water to itself – so whether a spill or a high humidity area – the same precautions should be taken.

Taking preventative steps now will save you time, money, and stress later. Protecting your hardwood is well worth the effort to enjoy stunning floors for years to come. And if you ever run into an issue, don’t hesitate to give us a call!