Key Takeaways. If you have water under your floorboards, remove floor coverings and dispose of damaged paper products, dry the area, clean and disinfect the soaked floorboards, ventilate the room, and contact a professional like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for complete restoration services.
Homeowners insurance generally covers water damage that's sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe bursts or a washing machine overflows and damages your floor, you may be covered. But if the water comes from flooding, standard homeowners insurance typically won't cover it.
If you do find a leak, use a wet vacuum or a mop to soak up the water, then place a bucket and/or tarp down to catch additional water. You'll need to hire a local plumber to fix the leak.
Assessing Your Wood Floor Water Damage
Avoid using heaters to dry out the wood; instead, use a dehumidifier to trap any moisture, but it is more important to call a water remediation company like 1-800 Water Damage immediately to come and assess the situation.
Floorboards can harbor undetected water for extended periods. Because it is harder to locate water until it lifts floorboards, you may find that it's too late to repair them. The second you spot water pushing up from under your floorboards, contact a professional.
Source of damage
If the source of the damage comes from inside your home, such as a water leak from plumbing , a broken pipe or overflowing appliance, you'll likely be covered by your homeowners insurance.
Most wood floors flooded with water will take weeks or more to fully dry out.
In most cases, damaged subflooring doesn't need to be replaced. However, in the event of extensive water damage from flooding or extended periods of exposure to moisture, damaged sections may need to be removed to avoid mold and ensure structural integrity.
As time passes, the moisture trapped within the wood creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold spores can begin to colonize, posing health risks to residents and further compromising the structural integrity of the flooring.
Overall, it is best to make sure to call insurance, right after you call the emergency plumber, when dealing with water damage in the home. Acting swiftly to maintain your home and minimize water damage will ensure your claim is best supported.
Water damage can lead to a condition commonly known as “cupping” in hardwood floors. This occurs when excess moisture permeates the hardwood, primarily affecting the unfinished underside of the boards.
Generally, no. Insurance would cover a sudden loss event. A slow leak causing rot over an extended period of time is not a sudden loss event.
You won't be able to dry water that has seeped into and underneath the floors, but you should immediately start drying the visible water on your floors. Mopping and toweling may be sufficient, but if flooding is severe, you may need to use a water pump.
Use a dehumidifier placed at the highest setting possible to dry the floors. Place it in the center of the room and leave it on for at least 24 hours. Next, place fans around the room so the entire surface receives the blowing air. Place the fans at the highest settings possible.
After the onset of flooding, it only takes 24 to 48 hours to cause significant damage. If left untreated, water can cause damage that can lead to bigger issues — like structural damage, mold growth, and damage to belongings.
Subfloor Cost per Square Foot
Your subfloor replacement cost depends on the amount of material required for the project. The average cost to replace a subfloor runs between $3.50 and $12 per sq. ft.
Rain and Its Effects on Plywood
This not only compromises the structural integrity of the plywood but also can lead to its eventual deterioration. Furthermore, the presence of persistent moisture can create a conducive environment for the growth of mold and mildew.
Even though your floor looks dry, chances are moisture is still lurking beneath the surface. Moisture can and will find its way into the cracks and crevices of your hardwood flooring. An easy way to remove moisture from your wood floors is to use a dehumidifier.
Check the humidity
Living in a humid climate or using humidifiers in your home can result in water collecting on surfaces without an apparent source. If your property has a musty odour, it's likely that the moisture issue has been developing for some time.
If only part of a surface is damage, such as a floor or siding, your home insurance may replace the entire surface if a close enough match can't be found. Some states have matching laws that require the insurance company to pay for a match or replacement.
Call your insurance agent and report the claim. If needed, hire a professional water damage clean-up company. Determine if you need to leave the home. Take photos of the damaged area and any damaged possessions.
Reasons for denial can range from the nature of the damage itself—such as gradual damage that occurred over time—to issues with how the claim was filed, including missed deadlines or insufficient documentation. Furthermore, unreported property modifications can also lead to complications during the claims process.