The best way to protect the hardwood in your home is to take precautionary measures and identify signs of water damage early.
Water and oil don’t mix, nor do water and wood. Too much moisture in wood could lead to water damage. The best way to protect the hardwood in your home is to take precautionary measures and identify signs of water damage early. Here are some indicators that water damage might be affecting the wood in your home.
Water Damage is Happening if You Notice Cupping
Do you see individual wood planks cupping or the edges curling upward, creating an uneven surface on your floor? If so, this is due to humidity. In humid conditions, the wood tends to contract and disjoin from other panels in the flooring. Gaps will also appear between wooden planks, thus exposing the wood to further water damage.
Swelling
Swelling is the opposite of cupping. When wood in kitchen cabinets or furniture comes in contact with a lot of water, it swells and warps over time. As a result, the surface’s texture becomes uneven, bumpy, and irregular. This problem affects the wooden board’s dimensions and functionality.
Staining
The most apparent impact of water damage is when wood goes through color changes. The edges of the panel might become a darker shade, or several panels in one particular area might become darker. The cause of this is mold infestation. When wood tannins come in contact with water minerals, they develop a strong color that appears stained. This reaction deteriorates the wood’s durability and clashes with your kitchen’s color scheme.
How to Prevent Water Damage
Wood coated with polyurethane prevents water damage. It also protects wood from the dirt in the atmosphere. However, this coating is not 100% waterproof. Therefore, you always want to check that the polyurethane is in excellent condition and still effective. In addition, you should execute a consistent cleaning process without using harsh chemicals and too much water. Consider how much water you’re using when you mop the floors. Microfiber mops are an optimal cleaning tool because they use about 10-20 times less liquid than traditional cotton mops. Other tips on preserving wood floor include:
- Not wearing shoes on hardwood floors, particularly ones with hard bottoms (high heels; cleats)
- Utilizing area rugs to protect a hardwood floor’s surface
- Replacing hardwood floors every seven to ten years if there is a lot of damage
- Sweeping or dusting daily
- Applying a new coat of finish at least every five years
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