Homeowners rarely anticipate or are satisfied when they have a water damage issue. Several indicators point in that direction, including warping, discolouration, and an odour. After assessing the damage, immediate action is required.
Water damage can be caused by many different things, such as burst pipes, leaking water heaters, storms, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking roof. If your floor is damaged, it can be difficult to repair or replace. When should you get help from an expert?
Hurricanes and other natural disasters pose a significant risk of water damage to homes in Queensland suburbs. It includes Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Redlands, Logan, and Gympie. Regardless of what caused water damage to your property, time is of the essence. If you need assistance figuring out what to do next, we’re here to help.
Understanding the Signs of Water Damage
Water damage may or may not be immediately apparent, depending on the circumstances. First, examine the surroundings. When any of these symptoms arise, you know you have water damage:
- Warping – If the floor now has bubbles, peeling, or cracks that weren’t there before the incident, water damage is likely to be the cause.
- Discolouration – Be on the lookout for any new stains or unusual changes in the colour of your floor. Dark patches could be caused by mould or mildew.
- Crowning is when your floor planks become rounded, with a high point in the middle and low points on the edges.
- Buckling – When a floor buckles, the subfloor beneath it separates from the main floor. It might start to peel up or come apart at the seams.
- Cupping – Your floor boards’ edges may bend upward when they absorb water. It appears that your floor has absorbed moisture.
- Odour – Mould or mildew problems are typically indicated by an overtly offensive or fresh scent on your floor.
When to fix water-damaged floors?
If the damage is minor, you can repair the floor without replacing it entirely. When weighing the costs and benefits of each option, it’s wise to consider some aspects before making a final decision. When you should consider repairing:
- The water damage is minor. The only repairs you’ll need to make might be cosmetic if the water that covered your floor didn’t sit there for very long. You may get away with a simple repair if the floor is still serviceable and has not significantly degraded.
- The water is pure. When water enters your home, you want to know if it’s safe for your family to drink. Washing machines, dishwashers, and bathtubs that overflow are common culprits. A leaking pipe might also provide clean water.
- The affected area is totally dry after 48 hours. It is a positive sign that you do not have a problem with mould or mildew. Generally, the water on your floor dries within 24 to 48 hours.
Before beginning any repair, you should ensure that the area is completely dry by using a fan or a dehumidifier. Mould and mildew problems can arise if you rush things and don’t wait for them to dry.
Should you replace water-damaged floors?
After major damage, like a storm or a broken water heater, it is frequently necessary to repair the flooring. Regardless of what led to water damage in your home, you first need to determine whether or not it is time to replace the affected items. It is because it is time to repair them. Some of the reasons why you might want to replace something are:
- Significant water damage has occurred. You can typically detect if there is significant damage and deterioration in a region after giving it a thorough inspection. Consider replacing your subflooring if you discover that it has expanded or pulled up in any way.
- It’s not safe to drink. Black water has been contaminated in some way, whether by human waste or the environment. The high concentration of microorganisms in this water poses significant health risks and requires frequent flushing.
- The location has been damp for a long time. If the water on your floor does not dry within forty-eight hours, you should presume that there is mould or mildew in your home.
When It’s Time to Bring in the Experts
Depending on your level of expertise, the urgency of the project, and the amount of time you have available, you should decide whether to take on the project yourself or hire a professional.
To ensure your family’s safety, hire a professional crew like ours. As a result, you need to replace your flooring urgently due to major damage and mould or mildew issues. It’s only possible to take on a major renovation project like floor replacement if it’s most likely to expose you and your family to mould and mildew.
If, on the other hand, your project is less extensive, there is little potential for mould or mildew growth, and you have the time, you might benefit more from repairing it yourself and saving money than hiring a professional.
