Hardwood floors are elegant, charming, warm, and expensive. When you take the proper care of your hardwood floors, they can last decades or longer. However, when a natural disaster strikes, flood damage can ruin hardwood floors quick. Water damage removal should happen as soon as possible after a flood if you want to fully salvage your floors. There are a few preventative measures you can take that will extend the time you have to clean up before your floors are a total loss.
- Sealants- Protect your hardwood floors with a wax sealant to make them water resistant. Sealants can also stop humidity moisture from creating an environment for mold and mildew growth on your hardwood floors. Your floors will also be protected from minor scratches and spills.
- Plumbing Inspection- When you are installing new hardwood floors, get a plumbing inspection first, especially if your home is aged. The last thing you want is a huge pipe break that will flood your home and have you calling a professional water damage restoration company before you are finished with the remodel.
- Rugs- Although placing rugs will not keep your hardwood floors completely safe from destruction of a flood, they can minimize damages caused by appliance leaks or a small pipe leak. Rugs can soak up the water so the wood below is not saturated. Put rugs in front of the dishwasher, sink, laundry machine, and refrigerator.
- Cleaning- When cleaning hardwood floors, ensure no pools of water are left on the floor after mopping. You should also never soak a mop head, use only damp materials on hardwood. Also take care to use products specifically for hardwood cleaning.
There is never any guarantee to be able to protect your flooring in times of a natural disaster or a flooding accident. However, most homeowners will benefit by contacting a water removal company for accidents big or small to properly clean and preserve your floors.
ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh is here to help you with all of your water damage restoration needs. Call us today at 412-376-4645.