How Water Damage Affects Different Flooring Materials

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

How Water Damage Affects Your Flooring

Wood- If you think about all of the wood surfaces and cabinetry in your home, you will realize that you do have a lot of wood surfaces that could be damaged due to water exposure.  When water soaks into wood, it can cause the wood to rot, split, lift from the floor, weaken and warp.  Sometimes the damage will require complete removal and replacement.

Tile- Tile is waterproof.  So that is a huge benefactor when installing tile flooring in your home.  You will notice most people have tile flooring in their kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms due to high water damage occurring in those rooms.  However, the grout, in between the tile, is not waterproof unless it is sealed correctly and maintained yearly.  If grout is water damaged, the water that has seeped through it can cause the wood underneath to warp and eventually further crack and damage the tile flooring.

Carpet- Most carpet can be restored when water damage strikes.  However, the carpet pad underneath needs to be replaced.  One of the only times that carpet cannot be taken out, dried, and reinstalled, is when the water damage is sewage or contaminated water.  In this case, the carpets may need replaced.

Laminate- Water can destroy laminate flooring quickly as it causes swelling and lifting.  Once the water damage has soaked into the laminate floor, it will need replaced.  Now-a-days, some laminate flooring is waterproof.  This is an ideal option for flooring as it is highly durable and has is long-term resistant to damage.

Water damage can cause issues and problems for floors, walls, ceilings, appliances, furniture and much more in homes and businesses alike.  If you are experiencing a water damage emergency, give us a call. 

SERVPRO of Fredericksburg: 540-373-7000.