
It’s easy to panic when discovering wet wood floor damage. Whether you witness standing water or discover the damage months or weeks later, dollar signs likely flash in your mind. However, this initial reaction may be way off base, depending on how you approach the situation.
First Steps in Addressing Wet Wood Floor Damage
Wet wood floor damage should be approached similarly, whether dealing with a spilled soda, a leaking door or busted pipe. Your first move is always to dry out the surface as quickly as possible. This can range from mopping with an absorbent towel to bringing in a wet vacuum. Whatever the damage, the quicker you remove standing liquid the closer you are to a happy solution.
Once the surface dries, you must immediately clean the entire surface. This sounds counterintuitive to scrub with cleaning solution a floor you just dried. However, this step is not negotiable. Any traces of dirt or other organic materials must be removed from crevices. Failing to do so can lead to the material absorbing leftover moisture, resulting in bacteria growth.
Once the area is mopped and cleaned, it’s time to really dry. Bring in fans large and powerful enough to address the area. Complete drying may take days. Conduct periodic inspections along the way, and call professionals if you see anything that potentially looks like harmful mold.
After a section feels dry, you need to confirm this with a moisture testing meter. Remember, this may take longer to register dry than a simple touch test. When dry, assess for long-term damage or decline in appearance.
Wet wood floor damage doesn’t have to equate disaster. Follow these steps to put yourself in the best position for a full (and less inexpensive) recovery.