How to Restore Hardwood Floors After Water Damage

When water seeps onto your hardwood floors, time is your biggest enemy. Whether from a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or flooding event, water can quickly warp, buckle, and stain hardwood surfaces if not addressed immediately.

AtLeak Proof Restoration, we’ve seen countless homeowners devastated by what looks like minor water damage — only to discover irreversible structural issues hidden beneath the surface. The good news? With the right steps and swift action, you can oftenrestore water-damaged hardwood floorsinstead of fully replacing them.

This guide walks you through the process of drying, cleaning, and repairing hardwood floors after a water event, as well as how to prevent future damage.

Step 1: Assess the Extent of Water Damage

Before you do anything, you need to understandhow deep the water penetrated. Hardwood is porous, and water can soak through the finish and down into the subfloor.

Signs of Water Damage:

• Cupping:Edges of boards are raised while the center dips down.

• Crowning:The center of the boards bulges upward.

• Buckling:Boards completely pull away from the subfloor.

• Discoloration:Dark or cloudy spots indicate trapped moisture or mold.

• Musty Odors:A sign of fungal or bacterial growth underneath.

If the damage is extensive or has lasted more than 24–48 hours, it’s crucial tocontact a certified restoration team like Leak Proof Restorationto prevent mold and structural issues.

Step 2: Stop the Source and Remove Standing Water

Before restoration begins, thewater source must be stopped— whether it’s a plumbing leak, appliance malfunction, or flooding from outside.

Once the flow of water is controlled:

1. Use awet vacuumorpumpto remove standing water immediately.

2. Avoid using a regular household vacuum — it’s unsafe around water.

3. Mop and towel any visible water, paying special attention to corners and baseboards.

The faster you get water off the surface, the better chance you have of saving your floors.

Step 3: Start Drying the Hardwood Floors

Even after the surface looks dry,moisture is still trapped inside the wood and subfloor. That’s where professional drying makes all the difference.

DIY Drying (for minor damage):

• Usehigh-velocity fansaimed at the floor’s surface.

• Rundehumidifierscontinuously for several days.

• Keepwindows openif humidity outside is low, or closed if it’s high.

Professional Drying (recommended):

AtLeak Proof Restoration, we use specializedmoisture metersandthermal imaging camerasto identify hidden moisture pockets. Then we use:

• Industrial air moversto increase evaporation.

• Low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiersto extract moisture.

• Injectidry systemsto dry underneath floorboards and subflooring without removing them.

This controlled drying process prevents cupping and mold growth, saving your floorboards and reducing the cost of replacement.

Step 4: Clean and Sanitize the Area

Once dry, the next step isdeep cleaningto remove bacteria, mildew, or residue. Moisture left behind can cause long-term odor and mold issues.

Here’s how to clean safely:

• Mix a milddetergent solution(no ammonia or bleach).

• Use adamp microfiber mop, not a wet one.

• Avoid steam mops — the heat can cause more damage.

• Apply awood-safe disinfectantto kill germs without stripping finish.

If any mold spots are visible, use amold and mildew cleaner approved for woodor hire a remediation professional for safe removal.

Step 5: Sanding and Refinishing (If Needed)

If your hardwood has visible cupping, crowning, or stains after drying, refinishing can restore its appearance.

Light Surface Damage:

Minor warping and discoloration can often be fixed bylight sandingfollowed byrefinishingwith a moisture-resistant sealant.

Moderate Damage:

Cupped boards may flatten over time with continued drying. Once moisture readings are normal, sanding can even the surface.

Severe Damage:

If boards havebuckled or separated from the subfloor, they will need to be replaced. Leak Proof Restoration can remove damaged sections, match the wood species and grain, and blend the repair for a seamless look.

Important:Never sand or refinish hardwood until moisture levels are verified below 12%. Doing so too soon can trap moisture and cause new warping.

Step 6: Address Subfloor Moisture

Many homeowners stop at the visible damage, but often thereal problem lies below.
If the subfloor beneath your hardwood is wet, it must be dried or replaced — otherwise, trapped moisture will lead to future mold and floor failure.

Signs of a Damp Subfloor:

• Persistent musty smell even after drying

• Ongoing floor movement or squeaks

• Dark staining or mold under boards

Leak Proof Restoration uses moisture mapping and drying systems totreat the subfloor without removing the entire floorwhen possible, saving time and cost.

Step 7: Prevent Future Water Damage

Restoring your floors is only half the job — the next step is making sure it never happens again. Here’s how to protect your hardwood long-term:

1. Add a Moisture Barrier

When reinstalling or refinishing, ask for avapor barrier underlaymentorsealant finishto block humidity transfer from the subfloor.

2. Maintain Proper Indoor Humidity

Keep indoor humidity between35–55%using a dehumidifier.
Extreme fluctuations cause wood to expand and contract, worsening any existing damage.

3. Check Appliances and Plumbing

Inspect dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines regularly for leaks. Even a slow drip can ruin flooring over time.

4. Clean Spills Immediately

Don’t let water sit — mop up spills or tracked-in rain as soon as they happen.

5. Inspect Sealant and Baseboards

Every 6 months, check for cracks where walls meet floors. Gaps here allow water to sneak under boards undetected.

6. Schedule Routine Moisture Checks

Leak Proof Restoration offerspreventive moisture inspection services, using professional-grade meters to detect hidden humidity before it becomes a problem.

Step 8: When to Call a Professional Restoration Team

Sometimes, DIY efforts simply aren’t enough — and acting too slowly can lead to mold growth, warped boards, or structural weakening.

Call Leak Proof Restoration if:

• Water has been present for more than 24 hours.

• You notice mold growth or musty odors.

• Boards are buckling or separating.

• The water source was from sewage or floodwater (category 3).

• You’re unsure whether the subfloor or joists are dry.

Our certified restoration experts followIICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)guidelines to ensure every layer of your flooring is completely dry, disinfected, and safe.

Step 9: Understanding Insurance and Repair Costs

Most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage fromsudden and accidental causes, like a burst pipe or appliance failure.

Tips for Filing a Claim:

1. Document everything— take pictures before cleanup.

2. Keep receiptsfrom drying equipment and restoration services.

3. Contact your insurer quickly— delays can affect coverage.

4. Hire a restoration company familiar with insurance claims.

Leak Proof Restoration works directly with insurance adjusters to ensurefair estimates and faster approvalsfor your restoration project.

Step 10: The Professional Restoration Process

When you hire Leak Proof Restoration for hardwood water damage, here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Moisture Inspection– Pinpointing affected areas using thermal imaging and moisture mapping.

2. Containment Setup– Isolating the damaged area to prevent mold spread.

3. Drying and Dehumidification– Industrial air movers and injectidry systems restore wood moisture to safe levels.

4. Sanitization and Mold Prevention– Applying antimicrobial treatments to protect your home.

5. Repair and Refinishing– Restoring floors to their original finish or replacing damaged boards.

6. Final Quality Testing– Ensuring your floors are completely dry and structurally sound.

Final Thoughts

Water-damaged hardwood floors can look disastrous, but quick action and professional restoration can save what might seem lost. Whether you’re dealing with a plumbing leak, appliance overflow, or flooding event,Leak Proof Restorationhas the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your floors to pre-loss condition.

By following these steps — or calling in the pros — you’ll protect your home’s beauty, structure, and value for years to come.

If you suspect moisture beneath your hardwood floors, don’t wait.
Call Leak Proof Restoration today for a professional assessment and 24/7 emergency service across Georgia.