What with the sunlight and generally good weather the Middle Tennessee area and Nashville in particular have been receiving this year, it might seem a little bit ridiculous to think about the dangers water damage presents to your floors. That being said, the danger is real, even though it might be a ways off, and depends on the area getting any kind of inclement weather. Make no mistake – the damage from water is definitely something that can ruin your floors, regardless of what they are made out of. In many cases, the damage is there lurking under the surface, just waiting for the right moment to strike. With that in mind, it is probably a good idea to figure out which of the different materials are the safest from water, and how you can prevent your floors from suffering serious damage. As they are the professionals when it comes to every aspect of flooring, Ozburn-Hessey has a guide about how well the most common types of flooring hold up against water damage.
Nature Loves Water, but Not Wood Flooring
If you have hardwood flooring, you probably know all about how water can damage not only the hardwoods of your home, but also commercial hardwood flooring as well. The best way to protect the wide planks and rich tone offered by a nice oak hardwood flooring is to act fast. The sooner you can deal with any visible water sitting on the floor, the less time there is for the water to be absorbed by the wood. For other moisture-related concerns, remember to sweep and keep your floors relatively clean, as mold and mildew are created when dirt meets water. Mold and mildew can lead to respiratory problems and tend to eat away at the wood if left untreated, so be vigilant.
On the other hand, one of the most resistant materials, and one of the more popular ones to build with, is linoleum flooring, both vinyl and laminate flooring. Vinyl is the best, since the adhesives used on the material make it extremely resistant to water damage. That doesn’t mean it never receives water damage, just that it takes more than wood-based flooring. Make sure it is not exposed to excessive water damage.
What Carpets Cannot Hide
Carpets, as one might presume, are the worst when it comes to dealing with water and the damage it presents. They’re just so much more absorbent than hardwood flooring or vinyl flooring. The fact that carpet holds a lot more trapped dirt than the others means it is much more susceptible to mold and moisture issues. As always, quick action right out of the gate can save you a headache later on, so get to work with a vacuum cleaner right away, then make sure the carpet is completely dry.
Water damage is something you never want to deal with, but if you act quickly, you can really cut down on future problems that may occur. If it becomes too much of an issue, or the mold and mildew-esque smells from a soaked carpet become too much for your workplace, then make sure to contact Ozburn-Hessey. The professionals here are too skilled at floor installation for you to pass up in a crisis.