Whether it’s caused by an accidental spill, a dishwasher leak, or the aftermath of a severe storm, water damage is one of the most common problems for wood floors. While a floor refinishing can often be the solution to mild damage, if your floors are heavily damaged it’s almost always best to replace them completely. This is especially true if the damage has affected the subfloor or if it’s a result of structural wood weakness due to rot or termite damage.

Hardwood floors are a beautiful feature in any home. They provide a link to timeless craftsmanship and add a natural beauty that can’t be replicated with laminate or vinyl. Keeping your flooring clean can help it last for many years and even reduce the need for restoration. Adding felt pads to the bottom of furniture and using runner rugs in high traffic areas can prevent scuffs, scratches, gouges, and discoloration. Cleaning up messes as soon as they occur can also reduce the amount of time moisture sits on the surface and causes staining.

However, if your floors are showing signs of extensive wear and tear, restoration is a good option. Refinishing is a process of stripping, sanding, and staining that can fix these damages while giving your floor a fresh look. The refinishing process can be messy, and unless the humidity in your home is controlled or the flooring is made of stranded bamboo, it may need to be sanded more than once.

If your hardwood floors are exhibiting signs of mild warping, this is typically a sign that the flooring is close to the ideal moisture content. In this case, a dehumidifier and other steps to reduce moisture could fix the problem and allow you to avoid floor replacement.

If your floors are experiencing more serious warping, cupping, or buckling it’s important to have a disaster restoration specialist take a look and perform a complete inspection of the area. It’s crucial to ensure that any mold that has grown underneath the flooring is fully removed to prevent a number of health and safety issues. Mold can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and more. If left untreated it can also cause structural instability and even structural mold sickness. This is why you should always call best handyman services in Memphis to deal with any mold or water damage to your home. They have the experience, equipment and training to quickly remove any mold growth and return your home to normal. This will also help you save on your insurance claim!