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what to do about recent water damage to hardwood floors

16 years ago

Hello all!

We have 3 yr old site finished white oak floors in our kitchen and, to make a long story short, have recently discovered the dishwasher has had a pinhole leak for probably about 18 months. We discovered it because the floor next to the island began to cup. I have been told that the floors will eventually dry out and flatten but am wondering what you all think. I am estimating that the floors have been cupped for about a month or so, but it is obvious that the leak has been an issue for longer. There is no discoloration, though. I have a fan blowing over the area right now but don't know if that is doing me any good or not.

Thanks in advance

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Comments (4)

boxers
16 years ago
it can take several weeks for things to settle down once the moisture has ended. Give it time and evaluate it then. Usually with site finished you will have to sand the entire floor to get it to blend. If was prefinished you could do a board replacement for the wood affected. Give it time then get a good floor refinisher to evaluate.
gee_ess
Original Author
16 years ago
Oh no, I was SO hoping you would say it would just dry out and return to normal! :)
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This is a Centex house made in 2002. The width of the board is 2 1/4". Here is a picture of the stair step near front door that shows the wood in vertical position: There are a couple of closets that have the same wood on their floors. They are not that big so not sure how much wood can be taken from them. How involved is it to take out some boards and swap? Is it likely that the boards get damaged as they are being removed? Any links on how this is done? I don't plan on doing this myself but I like to know what is involved. Is what this guy is doing in this video applicable to such damage? Again I am just gathering information and not planning on doing this myself. Thanks. https://youtu.be/eWi3ngubUS8
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boxers
16 years ago
it might but give it time and then evaluate it. It may not be perfect afterwards but perhaps you can live with it vs resanding. Just don't rush into action wait a bit.
glennsfc
16 years ago
Boxers is right...It might take months for the moisture to leave the wood and for the floor to regain what we call equilibrium.

After the floor has stopped settling back down and moisture readings are constant across the entire floor, then you can consider resanding, if that will even be needed. I too recommend an evaluation by an expert after the floor has had sufficient time to normalize.

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