How Different Types of Flooring React to Water Damage

8/7/2016 (Permalink)

Moisture Can Get Trapped Under Wood Flooring and Cause Mold

Some Flooring Fares Well During Floods While Some Does Not

Flood damage is very rarely a light load on a home, and in the vast majority of cases, flooding has a severe negative impact on the home. In many cases, the most damaged and most concerning element of the damage is flooring. Floors are completely submerged during floods, causing water to seep in and wreak havoc. But how exactly does water damage affect different types of flooring? SERVPRO technicians are trained to deal with and restore all of these flooring types, and can help with any flooding on them.
 
Wood Flooring
 
In Tallahassee, water damage is often most pronounced on wood flooring. Wood is very vulnerable to flooding and other water damage, as its materials have been intentionally dried and when wet can rapidly change shape and warp. Flooring commonly loses color, stains, and loses shape, but thankfully we have techniques to deal with all of these problems, and can replace the floors if all else fails.
 
Carpets
 
Carpeting is often typically very hard-hit by a flood. Carpets have space in between their fibers and underneath them and are usually composed of cotton, fabric, or plastic fiber, all of which are highly susceptible to permanent water damage. The aforementioned spaces can be widened, tearing the very material apart, and carpets are very prone to staining and discoloration. Where a rug of a different color is on top of a carpet, its color may bleed through and cause thick discoloration. Carpets are often ripped up and replaced after a flood to prevent serious mold growth from occurring in the home.
 
Tile and Concrete
 
Tile, concrete, and other stone floors often fare the best in a flood. The tiles themselves are typically immune to water, requiring only cleaning and sanitization following a flood. Concrete, on the other hand, may stain and become discolored, although this is typically cleanable or easily painted over. Be mindful, however, that some types of tile grout may be susceptible to water damage, and can easily grow mold. A fresh grout layer may be required following flooding over tile.
 
Well-equipped to deal with all types of flooring following a flood or other significant water damage, SERVPRO of North Leon County is a reliable home restoration and repair company ready to help 24/7. Call us at (850) 536-6599 for emergency water damage services.