Water damage can cause a number of flooring problems for property owners. Some of the top concerns to consider include, how to get rid of subsequent carpet odor, mould growth in the carpet, how to repair laminate flooring water damage, and how to fix water damaged hardwood floors. These are all common issues that can arise any time the flooring requires significant water damage repair.

Carpet Odor Caused by Water Damage

The first step in removing odors from the carpet is the water damage cleanup. Afterward, the carpeting should be inspected for mould. Many property owners rely on the specialization of a water damage restoration service to complete this part of the process. A water restoration company can help ensure that excess moisture doesn’t get beneath the surface and produce a musty odor for the foreseeable future.

The next step in this process is to use humidifiers and floor fans to ensure the carpet is completely dried. A cleaning solution of one cup of vinegar and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle should be applied to the areas most affected. Applying baking soda to the affected areas can also help remove odors from the carpet.

Removing Mould Caused by Water Damage

The process of mould remediation involves cleaning, killing, and removing mould spores from the premises so they do not impair occupants’ quality of health for the foreseeable future. In some cases, the carpet may need to be removed and replaced. Otherwise, you can typically use household solutions like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, and bleach to kill mould. Ammonia and bleach are highly toxic and should never be mixed together or with the other cleaning solutions.

Sprinkle down baking soda and leave it on overnight for mould issues that are less severe. You can clean the baking soda with a vacuum the next day. You can spray vinegar down for a few minutes as long as it’s scrubbed out before it dries. Use devices like the HEPA vacuum that are designed to remove any mould spores still remaining on the carpet after the initial cleaning.

Water Damage and Laminate Flooring

Although laminate flooring is resistant to moisture, an excessive amount can still ruin the floor. However, because it’s laid down in sections, you may limit repairs to the specific sections affected. Before removing these sections, thoroughly dry off the entire floor first.

Before replacing the damaged sections with new flooring, dry off the floor beneath the laminate surface. Be sure to identify the source of the problem before starting any repairs. Use a wet vacuum, mop, and floor fan to dry the laminate flooring and the floorboards beneath the surface once the source has been repaired.

The tools you typically use to remove the damaged sections include a crowbar, circular saw or chisel, and hammer. Drying the floorboards underneath the damaged laminate may help prevent mould growth from occurring. Follow the existing pattern of the undamaged sections and place new sections in with construction glue.

Repairing Water Damaged Hardwood Floors

Finding and repairing the source should always be the first step. Treat the stains, then identify and remove the damaged boards. Remove the liquid immediately to help minimize how much the hardwood floors begin to warp and become discoloured. Next, take out the subfloor if you find any deterioration. Dry out the concrete flooring underneath thoroughly as well. After replacing the subfloor and lacing in the new planks, sand and refinish the entire hardwood floor.