How Moisture Issues Destroy Flooring Faster Than You Expect

Moisture issues are one of the main causes of flooring deterioration; however, there are other ways as well.  Check out the alternatives at a flooring showroom if you need new flooring.  If you see any indications of water damage in any of your floors, experts can assist in taking care of the problem right away.

Where Moisture Comes From

Moisture can come from a variety of locations in and around your flooring. The two main sources are: above and below.

Above:

• Spills

Cooking, pets, plants, shower water, and beyond.

• Leaks

Water from pipes and other appliances.

• Humidity

Warm air creates moisture on flooring surfaces.

Below:

• Groundwater

Flooring on the ground or below-ground level can seep water from the underside up.

• Construction

Wet adhesives or concrete that does not fully dry before installation create issues.

• Concrete Slabs

Porous underflooring grabs moisture from the ground.

• Vapor Barriers

Lack of good barriers pushes vapors through to the flooring.

How Moisture Physically Damages Flooring Materials

Moisture can cause several types of physical damage to flooring materials. You can enlist professional help and flooring moisture testing services to see if you have issues you cannot detect, but there are some pieces of damage that are obvious. 

The biggest indicator that your flooring has moisture issues is its overall appearance. If you see raised seams or peeling, consider that water damage might be at play. Also, listen, and if you start to hear squeaks when you walk, get an inspection. 

Flooring Types Most Vulnerable to Moisture

When choosing flooring, note which flooring types are most vulnerable to moisture damage. If you move forward with that style, then work hard to prevent the problem.

According to the New York Times, concealed dampness poses a risk to a variety of flooring kinds.  Some​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ materials are more easily affected than others, such as carpet, laminate, and hardwood.

Hardwood is one material that takes in water. It’s​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ quite clear when the wood swells and gaps appear between the boards. The surface layer of the laminate although water-resistant, but the bottom layer is not. Repeated wetting can eventually make it ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌distorted. Besides that, carpet can very easily hold water since it is made of fabric ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌materials.

Warning Signs Homeowners Often Miss

There are signs to watch for that condensation is present in a home, according to The Wall Street Journal. But you have to be on top of the signs because the early warnings are easy to miss. Here are a few to watch closely:

• Musty Scents

If you walk into someone else’s home, a musty scent may hit you in the face. But in your own home, the scent grows gradually and is easy to overlook.

• Condensation

Watch for window condensation. If you see water there, it could be on the floors as well. 

• Stains

Stains on the flooring may not always be visible in the middle of the floor.  Rather, they frequently show up beneath furniture or in corners.

Long-Term Consequences of Unaddressed Moisture

If you catch moisture in your flooring early enough, it can be reversed, but long-term moisture has plenty of dire consequences.

Mold is the most dangerous issue you face if you leave moisture issues in your flooring alone. If moisture persists, it can cause permanent floor damage, requiring a full replacement. Unaddressed issues can eventually lead to structural damage after they have settled in for a long period of time.

Detection and Prevention Strategies

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you see any damage, it is better to ask the specialists to come for a flooring moisture test. Do not let moisture accumulate by keeping the indoor air dry. Additionally, make sure that no liquid is allowed to spill without you cleaning it immediately. Make sure that after you get a new floor, it is installed by a good and reliable professional to be safe from troubles in the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌future.

When to Call a Professional

There’s never a bad time to call a professional. Any time you expect you might have moisture damage, call the pros. They will often give you a free consultation and inspection along with their professional opinion. It also doesn’t cost you anything to call with questions, which can help you understand if you need to move forward with an appointment or not.

Small Moisture Problems, Big Flooring Consequences 

Don’t discount what looks like a small moisture problem around your flooring. It can lead to expensive consequences later. Addressing even small things fast helps you prevent costly repairs later.

In conclusion

Water​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ damage to the floor is a major problem that needs to be addressed right away. It is much better to stop the moisture troubles at the door than to have to deal with a huge mess later. Radix Flooring is ready to help you with your inspections, repairs, and replacements. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any doubts about the presence of moisture in your flooring and need a professional ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌advice.