How To Tell If Your Flooring Has Suffered From Water Damage

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

Even the most expensive of floorings aren’t safe from water damage – it can destroy any type. If you’ve had a recent water loss in your home that was known, or you’re suspicious but not sure of a slow leak, then it’s important to know what signs to look for in your particular type of flooring. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to tell.

Linoleum: If your flooring is discolored, that could very well mean it has been exposed to water.

Hardwood: Unlike other flooring, hardwood has four main signs that it has been exposed to water. First are dark spots. Some dark spots may be naturally occurring in the wood, if there are any that have cropped up recently, then it’s likely mold or mildew. Second is buckling, which means the planks have removed themselves from the flooring below them. Third is cupping, look for dips or raised edges. And lastly, look for bulging, if your flooring has started to bubble, looking almost like a crown then you’ve most likely have water damage.

Laminate: Look for warping, swelling, or discoloration.

Tile: Tile maybe a little harder than most to tell if you’ve had any water damage to it. A good trick is to tap on the suspected tiles with a coin, if you hear a hollow or empty sound it could mean the tiles have come loose. Discoloration is also another good tell.

Carpet: Smelly, discolored carpet? Probably from mold or mildew.

If your floor has any of the above signs, give us a call today, we’re here to help! 817.560.3086