What Is Causing Water Damage To Your Timber Flooring?

Timber flooring is one of the biggest investments that you can make for your home. Whether you moved into a vintage house that needed hardwood-flooring restoration or if you constructed your residence and bought timber-flooring supplies, chances are you paid a considerable sum of money for the elegance and classic appeal that this flooring material provides. Therefore, most homeowners will engage in meticulous maintenance to ensure that their timber flooring remains in pristine condition for as long as possible. When water damage occurs despite having a care regimen, it can be incredibly baffling. Furthermore, water damage needs to be promptly mitigated if you want to prevent permanent rotting of your timber flooring. So what could be causing water damage to your timber floors?

Undetected leaks beneath the flooring

Any water pooling above your timber flooring would be noticed immediately. Therefore, if your timber is starting to succumb to moisture damage, the likelihood is that the problem lies under the flooring supplies. What some homeowners may be unaware of is the presence of plumbing pipes under their floors. If one of these pipes has developed a leak or a crack, your timber will be directly exposed to moisture. The biggest downside of undetected leaks is by the time you notice the damage the chances are your entire flooring will require replacement. Homeowners should also take note of undetected leaks that may spring up from appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers that could be located near timber flooring.

Compromised waterproofing membranes

Another culprit of timber floor damage that could go undetected for a while is compromised waterproofing membranes. What some homeowners may not realise is that the damp proof course in their home will eventually need to be replaced. However, if you have moved into a pre-constructed house, chances are you do not know how old the waterproofing membrane is and will simply neglect to check its structural condition, as it remains out of sight. When the waterproof membrane becomes damaged, moisture gradually seeps into your timber flooring from the bottom upwards. With time, you may begin to notice unusual symptoms such as your floorboards feeling spongy, swelling of the timber and even signs of rot. The best way to avoid this type of water damage is to ensure that a new damp proof course is laid before the timber flooring is installed. You could also check the skirting of the home for indications of water damage before installing timber floors as this will give you an idea of the condition of the waterproofing membrane.

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