How To Protect Non-Waterproof Flooring From Water Damage

When you’ve invested time and effort into choosing and installing non-waterproof flooring, you want it to last as long as possible.

That means keeping water away from the flooring surface, and if any water does happen to make its way there, quickly remove it.

Water will cause wood to expand and contract, and even laminate flooring contains some wood particles, so water damage will cause both hardwood and laminate planks to buckle and move.

With laminate, the even bigger problem comes when the moisture causes the layers to separate from the board. Laminate flooring will never retain its original shape after sustaining water damage. Sections will need to be replaced.

A properly applied polyurethane topcoat should provide enough water protection to hardwood flooring. We don’t advise applying polyurethane to laminates, although it can be done.

Here’s what else you can do to protect your non-waterproof flooring from water damage.

 

CHECK THE PLUMBING

Before installing hardwood or laminate flooring, it’s important to check that all plumbing fixtures in the room are secure and in good working order. In the kitchen, this will include the plumbing under the sink and the lines that serve the dishwasher and refrigerator. In the bathroom, this means the plumbing that supplies the tub, shower and sink.

In the event of a plumbing leak or major spill after the flooring is installed, water damage can be minimized or avoided entirely if you act quickly to remove water from the flooring. Use towels and mops to absorb the water, and then set up large fans to help the water evaporate quickly. Depending on the severity of the leak or spill, you may want to consider uninstalling the flooring.

 

NO SHOES

During the winter, you also want to keep water and snow from shoes and boots from touching the floor often. It’s best to maintain a “no shoes” policy with family, and have your guests will follow suit, hopefully on their own once they see shoes stacked neatly by the door.

 

CLEAN CAREFULLY

Of course, you need to clean your floors. While you don’t want to use a significant amount of water, most cleaners do have some liquid element to them. Even cleaner from a spray bottle can cause water damage over time if enough cleaner is allowed to penetrate the grooves in between planks. It’s important to wipe off cleaner quickly after spraying.

It’s also important to make sure you’re using the correct cleaning products for your flooring. Using the wrong products can cause damage to your hardwood or laminate flooring, which could potentially make it more susceptible to water damage.

 

Trust the experts

The professionals at Goshen Floor Mart have more than 25 years of experience in spring cleaning and they’re ready to share that knowledge with you. Call 574.642.4770 or contact us here CONTACT

If you're in the market for flooring feel free to contact Goshen Floor Mart. Remember, we are always happy to provide you with a free estimate. Call us today at 574.642.4770 or contact us here