HOW TO HANDLE SWOLLEN OR CRACKED WOOD FLOORS

1. Causes of Swollen Floors

There are many reasons for swollen wood floors, such as:

• Exposure to Water: Water is the main cause of swollen wood floors. If water seeps into the joints between floorboards or into scratches on the floor, it can cause the floor to change size and swell. This can happen due to spills, wiping the floor with a wet cloth that hasn’t been wrung out, rainwater flooding the floor, or kids not being able to control their need to go to the bathroom.

• High Humidity: A high-humidity environment can cause the wood floor to absorb moisture from the air, leading to changes in size and swelling. This often occurs in the summer or in rainy climates.

• Using Inappropriate Products: Using unsuitable products during the installation of wood floors, such as non-water-resistant adhesives or not carefully selected materials, can also cause swelling after installation.

• Lack of Expansion Space: Not leaving expansion space around the edges of the floor during installation can cause swelling when the floor expands.

• Low-Quality Wood Floors: The quality of the wood floor and the manufacturing process can also affect the floor’s water resistance and expansion capabilities. Low-quality wood floors can easily swell when exposed to water.

2. Measures to Handle Swollen or Cracked Wood Floors

Light Water Damage

When engineered wood floors are lightly water-damaged, swelling might not have fully occurred. You can apply the following measures:

Use a Fan or Air Conditioner on "Dry" Mode to Dry the Floor: For high-quality wood floors, they have good elasticity, helping the floor recover up to 95% after water exposure. This is a common method when the floor accidentally gets wet.

Severe Water Damage

When engineered wood floors are severely water-damaged, follow these steps to handle it:

• Absorb Surface Water: Use a soft cloth to absorb as much water from the floor surface as possible. This helps prevent water from seeping deep into the subfloor.

• Remove the Floorboards: Remove the floorboards, which are usually connected with simple joints. Start with the water-damaged boards and move towards the ones near the wall.

• Quickly Dry the Floorboards: Use a fan or air conditioner to quickly dry the floorboards.

• Reinstall the Floorboards: After drying, reinstall the floorboards in reverse order. If you can't do it yourself, hire a professional to ensure accuracy and safety during installation.

Long-Term Swollen Wood Floors

If the engineered wood floor has been swollen for a long time and cannot be repaired, you need to replace the entire floor to ensure the aesthetics and quality of your living space.

Installation Technique Notes

Proper installation techniques are crucial for creating uniformity and ensuring safety when using wood floors. Stairs and wood floors need to be installed carefully to avoid height differences and ensure seamless continuity. Carefully handling small details will create a beautiful, harmonious, and aesthetically pleasing living space.

3. Preventing Swollen Wood Floors

To prevent wood floors from swelling, you can apply the following measures:

• Proper Installation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use suitable materials to prevent water from seeping into the floor.

• Humidity Control: Use air conditioners or heaters to maintain appropriate humidity levels.

• Minimize Direct Water Contact: Quickly wipe the wood floor after getting it wet.

• Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain the wood floor to prevent dust and sweat buildup.

• Use Moisture-Proof Mats: Place moisture-proof mats in high water-contact areas to protect the wood floor.

Currently, Timber Villa is one of the reputable companies of wood floors at competitive costs. With a professional, enthusiastic, and attentive installation team, they ensure customer satisfaction. If you need quick, quality, and affordable wood floor installation, contact Timber Villa for the most professional service.

VILLA TIMBER FLOORING & RENOVATION PTY LTD (AUSTRALIA)

Tel: (03) 9191 9898

Mobile: 0434 331 642 (Quang) - 0422 879 868 (Vinh Pham)

Email: inquiry@timbervilla.au

Address: 298 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127

VILA WOODEN FURNITURE JOINT STOCK COMPANY (VIET NAM)

Address: 133 Nguyen Nhan, Hoa Tho Dong Ward, Cam Le District, Da

Nang City, Vietnam

Hotline: 0905 612 637

Tax: 0401929279

Email: inquiry@timbervilla.au