When Are Wood Floors in West Mystic Homes Too Damaged to Save?

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Burst pipes can cause havoc. SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians have the training and equipment for every size disaster.

After water damage, wood floors in West Mystic homes can become damaged by moisture and saturation.

Wood flooring is one of the typical construction staples of area homes, and when water damage results from various catalysts, these semi-porous building materials can quickly absorb moisture. To prevent the kind of damage that requires tear-out and full replacement of the flooring, professionals like ours must act fast to manage surface water concerns.

Assessing the Condition of the House

The first step in water damage restoration for West Mystic homes is determining the property's condition. Depending on the nature of the water damage, structural elements and utility lines could be severely compromised and in need of immediate attention to prevent the situation from getting worse. A quick evaluation of the house and its contents can showcase any emergency services necessary. 

The Type of Present Water Damage

Any pooling on the surface after water damage like burst pipes or leaks can leak to varying levels of destruction for affected wood plank flooring. Much of the water damage can be classified into three categories:

• Surface Water – This type has not yet breached the seams of plank flooring or penetrated the finish. It is the most possible to fully remove and dry the damage at this stage. 
• Free Water – Water has saturated the planks in this phase but has not yet chemically bonded with the material. 
• Bound Water – When water molecules bond with wood planks, the composition, and appearance of the flooring change. Physical distortion often requires replacement. 

Physical Indicators to Remove Planks

Our professionals need to determine where physical damage has occurred to the point where demolition and flooring replacement are the suitable options. This often means:

• Warping
• Distortion
• Bloating
• Unevenness 

No matter how wood flooring becomes impacted by water damage, our SERVPRO of New London team can help. Give us a call today at (860) 443-2222.