Water damage is a property owner’s silent nightmare. When left untreated, it can slowly wreak havoc on the structural integrity and overall aesthetics of your home or commercial building. Identifying the early signs of water damage under floors can mitigate extensive and costly repairs.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll help you learn to spot the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of water-damaged floors. From recognizing stains and discolorations to investigating mysterious swelling and odd smells, our comprehensive guide can help you address the signs immediately. 

Identify the Potential Cause of Damaged Floors

Before you seek water damage restoration in Nevada, you should identify the potential cause of water damage on your property. Water-damaged floors can be caused by several factors, which can include:

• Flooding: Storms, heavy rainfall, and issues with your local sewage drains can result in flooding. This can seep into homes and damage floors. Even if you drain the excess water from your property, lingering water may seep into your flooring. 
• Plumbing Leaks: Leaking pipes, especially under sinks, toilets, or in the walls, can result in water seeping into the flooring.

• Appliance Malfunctions: Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators with ice makers can sometimes malfunction, causing water spills or leaks onto the floors.

• Foundation Cracks: Cracks in the foundation of the home can allow water to enter and affect the flooring.

• Windows or Doors: Leaking windows or doors can have cracks that let rainwater in and damage the floors.

• Roof Leaks: Damaged or aging roofs can allow water to seep into the home. This will make its way down until it reaches the floor.

• High Humidity Levels: Poor ventilation and indoor areas that promote excessive humidity can cause wood floors to absorb moisture and become damaged over time. 

• Spills and Accidents: Large spills or frequent smaller spills, like from busy kitchens, pet accidents, or overflowing bathtubs can result in moisture exposure and damage to the floors over time.

Tackling the root causes of these issues keeps your property well-maintained. For example, in case of a flood, you should call professionals to conduct flood cleanup or at least take steps to address the excess moisture that has already seeped into your floor. Have professionals perform regular maintenance, inspect plumbing, appliances, roofs, and foundations, and install proper ventilation and moisture control systems.

Spot the Signs of Water Damaged Floors

If you have reason to suspect that your floor is already water-damaged, then there should be some visible signs that your floor is due for water damage restoration in Nevada. Here are some common signs of water damage found in most flooring materials. 

• Warping or Buckling: This happens when your floor tiles are visibly swollen or pushed upward. These tend to occur due to subfloor water damage or the flooring expanding due to the absorbed water. This can lead to an uneven floor that can cause potential tripping hazards.

• Discoloration or Staining: Water damage can cause light or dark discolorations on your floor. Depending on the type of flooring and the extent of the damage, you may also see signs of permanently stained patches. 

• Mold or Mildew Growth: Excess moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth on your floors. Look for dark patches, musty smells, or discoloration in consistently wet or damp areas, especially in dark and undisturbed areas of your room. 

• Soft or Spongy Areas: Flooring made of untreated wood, low-quality laminate, and other flooring materials made with fiberboards is not waterproof. They can develop a soft and sponge-like feel if they absorb enough water. This is a sign of water damage, and it’s more practical to replace these pieces. 

• Cupping or Crowning: Unlike warped flooring, where more than one piece can be affected, cupping occurs when the edges of the floorboards lift, creating a concave shape across their width. Crowning happens when the center of the board rises, producing a convex shape. This is due to the piece expanding where it can due to water damage.
•  Separation or Gaps Between Floorboards: Water damage can cause boards to swell or contract, creating gaps between them. This is especially common in hardwood floors and can clearly indicate water damage.

• Peeling or Bubbling: If your floor is covered with a laminate, tile, or vinyl finish, you may notice peeling or bubbling of the material. This can be a sign that moisture has seeped underneath the surface, causing the finish to lose its bond with the subfloor.

• Damaged Walls and Baseboards: If you notice water stains or damage to the baseboards or the walls near the floor, it can be a sign of hidden water damage in the walls and floor.

If you notice any of these signs of water-damaged floors, it’s crucial to address them immediately. Have a professional repair or replace the damaged flooring, and take steps to find and fix the source of the moisture to prevent further damage.

Address Water Damaged Floors

Some cases of water damage can be repaired. However, in other cases, replacing the damaged flooring or the entire room or the property’s floor and subfloor may be more practical. A professional technician who provides water damage restoration in Nevada can inspect and recommend which may be the best solution for your property. 

In case you suspect water-damaged floors, here are the steps to take:

• Identify the Issue: Find the source of the water leak or moisture. It could be from a leaking pipe, an overflowing sink or bathtub, a roof leak, or high humidity levels. Once you’ve identified the source, fix the issue or call a professional.
  

• Document the Damage: Your restoration technician can help you take photographs and assess what needs to be repaired or replaced. If you have home insurance that covers the cause of your property damage, you’ll need to contact your insurance company and start the claims process.
  

• Dry the Area: If you’re working with a dependable restoration company, you can rest assured that they will handle the entire restoration process. However, even before they arrive, taking some precautions can prevent the damage from worsening. Remove any standing water with a mop, open your windows, turn on fans and dehumidifiers to promote air circulation, and remove any soaked items from your floor. 
  

• Dispose of Damaged Materials: Remove and dispose of any of your belongings that are visibly beyond repair. Leave sharp objects and hazardous materials to your restoration technicians to clean or salvage.     

Trust Restoration 1 of Henderson For Water Damage Restoration 

Identifying water-damaged floors is crucial to preserving the integrity and safety of your home or commercial property. However, if you’re still unsure about handling water damage and the underlying risks to your property, your best solution is to contact a professional. 

Restoration 1 of Henderson is a full-service restoration company that serves residential and commercial properties in the city. Trust our team to restore your floors and any other affected area on your property. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced restoration technicians.