Can Old Water Damage Rot Your Floors?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Our team of experts at SERVPRO of Dallas Love can diagnose the problem and offer the best guidance and recommendations on repairing the damagE.

Old water damage is a nightmare for any property owner because it can rot floors. Therefore, it’s vital to address property-related water damage concerns immediately when they arise. 

For example, prolonged leaks or condensation can cause water damage in floors or floor joists. Water seeping into joists or hardwood floors can cause potential structural damage. 

Identifying water damage on floors is a crucial step when buying a house. This article will identify old water damage indicators and how to rectify any rotted floors caused by a water leak. 

How to Identify Old Water Damage on Floors

It is essential to check your floors if you have experienced a flood, leaks, or water-related incident in your home. In addition, you should pay careful attention to look for tell-tale signs of old water damage. Spotting water damage early makes it easier to repair, minimizing the extent of wood rot, deterioration, and expensive repairs.

Here are some common signs of old water damage usually found on all kinds of vinyl, hardwood, wood, or laminate floors. 

1. Odor 

Mildew and mold issues cause funky odors in homes and are a sure sign of hidden water damage on your floor. This is because the growth of mold in wood floors and carpets tend to make them smell musty.

2. Discoloration on water-damaged floors

Do you notice yellow, black, or gray color patches on a hardwood, carpeted, or linoleum floor? If that’s so, it may be the result of old water damage. There is also a possibility that the damage has gone further. 

3. Cupping and uneven floors

When porous floors absorb water, they cause the wood to expand and warp. This can result in plank edges curling upwards or bulges in floorboards. 

4. Mold growth 

Mold thrives in damp conditions, and patches of mold on a floor are an indication of old water damage. It’s vital to call in mold and water damage restoration specialists to ensure a thorough cleanup. 

5. Cracked or warped tile 

On a tiled floor, a sign of water damage is loose or broken tiles. Floors warp, crack, or split as water seeps in, causing water damage and floor rot. Some signs like wet flooring are not easy to identify, especially in the corner of the room or areas of your house. 

Causes And Effects of Old Water Damage

Water damage can result from leaking roofs, blocked gutters, and burst pipes. In addition, poorly ventilated homes with high humidity levels and seldom maintained are vulnerable to water damage, leading to floors rotting, especially in basements and crawl spaces.

Other causes are condensation, malfunctioning sprinkler systems, leaking pipes, washing machine water supply leak, condensation from the AC, blocked drains, and bad weather. Besides causing the floor to rot, old water damage can cause mold issues, damage to personal belongings, devaluing the property, and possibly causing electrical damage. 

Hire a Professional Restoration Company

If you notice old water damage in your Dallas home, contact Dallas water damage restoration services — professionals in old water damage remediation. Our team of experts at SERVPRO of Dallas Love can diagnose the problem and offer the best guidance and recommendations on repairing the damage to prevent any further floor damage to your home and bank account. 

Call us at (214) 272-7600 for 24-hour assistance.