Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

AT THE SITE

Assessing and Addressing DAMAGE WATER WATER Water damage can happen at any time, in any home, and to any type of floor. Water leaks and floods do not discriminate against what types of floors

they damage. It makes no difference whether the floor was a one-of-a-kind, custom-run, solid parquet floor, or if it was a low-end DIY snap-together type of wood floor. It also doesn’t make a difference whether the floor itself is somewhat tolerable of some moisture with claims of being “waterproof,” or if it swells with the slightest suggestion that there could be an increase in moisture. The unfortunate truth is that a water leak or flood will adversely affect any floor, the occupants, and the home it happens in, resulting in costly and time- consuming repairs. The first step in assessing a water- damaged wood floor is to identify and eliminate the source of moisture. Once the moisture source has been identified and removed, the floor damage should be addressed before further damage occurs. Further damage may not only include damage to the floor, but also to the substrate, or finished living space below the floor.

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not occur simply because wood gets wet, but because it has been attacked by decay fungi under specific conditions. Normally, wood must be at or above the fiber saturation point (28-30 percent MC) for a period of time for the fungal spores to thrive and cause it to rot. Reaching these moisture content levels does not mean mold growth, corrosion, rot or decay, will occur, but does raise the risk for a potential concern. The following are some items that should be assessed when evaluating a water-damage claim.

These are some of the reasons a timely and proper assessment of the water damage is critical: • Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk for serious health problems. Studies have shown that mold growth can occur on wood at moisture content levels above 15 percent. • Corrosion of metal fasteners can occur when moisture content exceeds 18 percent. • Wood rot and subsequent decay do

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