Nobody wants to deal with water damage. Unfortunately, it’s something that can’t always be prevented. Whether a pipe burst from freezing temperatures or a bad storm flooded your basement, you want to act on water-damaged floors ASAP. Learn about how to revive your water-damaged floor below.
Hardwood
If you notice that your floor planks are showing any signs of bulging, buckling, discolouration, and cupping it likely means that there has been water damage to the area.
Depending on how large the affected area is, you may be able to simply screw or nail the floorboards back into place, or use a pry bar to replace the damaged floorboards themselves.
If the damaged area is larger, however, rather than trying to match the colour of the wood and staining with new boards, it may be best to replace the entire floor.
Image courtesy of Unique Flooring GTA
Unique Flooring GTA, a HomeStars Verified company, can help you identify the problem, propose a solution, and restore your floors back to new. With a free consultation, it’s a no-brainer to connect with them if you think your floors are water damaged. They specialize in all materials and even waterproofing. Check out their HomeStars profile to browse through reviews and read about experiences from actual clients. If you’re interested, submit a quote request to speak with Unique Flooring GTA today!
Tile
While tile is typically used in areas that are prone to water, it can become water-damaged over time. If water is able to seep through the grout, or there is extensive water damage you may notice that your tiles have started to become loose, cracked, stained, or started to grow mold and contain a musty smell. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to get connected with an expert right away.
If only a few tiles are affected, they can simply be taken out, cleaned, and re-laid. If the water has extensively damaged all the tiles or most of them, it’s best to rip up the tiles and start fresh. If you are able to clean the tiles, and they aren’t cracked, they can be re-laid. When reinstalling the tiles, ensure that you are using a matching grout. In the end, it’s best to consult a pro to make sure that the floor is watertight.
Laminate
If your laminate floors are showing signs of swelling, warping, or discolouring it most likely means that they are water damaged.
When water penetrates laminate flooring, the layers underneath are eager to absorb it. This is why you may notice that your laminate floors begin to swell. Unfortunately, if too much water has been absorbed, the flooring won’t be able to be reused. If you are able to identify the issue and dry it out ASAP, the flooring may be able to survive. If the entire floor has been submerged in water, it’s best to replace it fully.
Image Courtesy of Multiple Choice Flooring
Multiple Choice Flooring is a HomeStars Verified company and HomeStars Best of Award winner 11 times! They specialize in laminate flooring and have experts available to install new flooring for your home. You can check out their HomeStars profile here to read hundreds of reviews from past clients. If you’re in need of new laminate flooring or are interested in learning more, be sure to contact Multiple Choice Flooring today!
Cost for Floor Layering & Refinishing in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $6,555 | $250 | $50,000 |
| Calgary | $7,130 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $5,818 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $6,032 | $123 | $35,000 |
| Oshawa | $5,986 | $200 | $30,000 |
| Ottawa | $6,253 | $250 | $45,000 |
| Toronto | $6,461 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $5,012 | $150 | $35,000 |
*Costs based on 4,455 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Depending on the material of the floor and how long the water has been there, there will be different signs and approaches to repairing the floor. With any flooring, if you notice any pooling water – whether you spilled something or there is a leak, it’s best to get it cleaned up right away. This can include wiping or using a dry mop to collect the water and moisture. If it is a larger area, a wet vacuum and fans/dehumidifiers can be used in the room for days. If water damage is a constant problem in your home, having the previously mentioned items to help clean is a great idea – you can never be too prepared.
The more dry the floor is, the easier it will be to assess the damage and make the appropriate repairs. DIY is great for some home improvement projects, but when it comes to this, you should always connect with a flooring specialist to help you out. They are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to restore your floor back to normal and advise how to prevent any further issues.
