What Happens to Hardwood When It Gets Wet

Wood is porous and absorbs water quickly. As the moisture content rises, the planks swell and push against each other, causing cupping, where the edges rise higher than the center. If water stays on the surface for more than a few hours, it soaks through the finish and penetrates deep into the wood. Once that happens, the planks can buckle, separate, or develop mold on the underside. Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid wood, but it's also less forgiving because the veneer layer is thin and delaminates easily when wet.

Immediate Steps After Water Contacts Hardwood

Remove standing water immediately using towels, a wet vacuum, or a mop. The faster you get water off the surface, the better your chances of saving the floor. Do not use heat to speed drying. High heat can cause the wood to crack or warp. Instead, use fans to increase airflow across the surface and a dehumidifier to lower indoor humidity. Pull up area rugs and furniture to allow air circulation under and around the wet area. Check the subfloor for moisture using a meter if you have one, because water often soaks through into the underlayment.

Professional Hardwood Floor Drying

We use moisture meters to map the extent of saturation in both the hardwood and the subfloor. Then we place specialized drying mats or inject warm, dry air beneath the flooring to pull moisture out from below. This prevents cupping and reduces the risk of permanent damage. Air movers and dehumidifiers run continuously to dry the surface and surrounding air. We monitor moisture levels daily and adjust equipment as needed. If the wood stayed wet too long and has already cupped or buckled, we remove and replace damaged sections. Sanding and refinishing happens only after the floor has returned to normal moisture content.

Insurance Coverage for Hardwood Floor Damage

Water damage to hardwood is covered if it resulted from a sudden plumbing failure, appliance leak, or roof leak. Damage from flooding or long-term moisture exposure is usually excluded. We document the source, photograph all damage, and provide a detailed moisture map. Our team prepares an estimate that includes drying, repairs, and refinishing if needed. We also provide moisture logs that prove mitigation was immediate, which protects your claim.

If water damaged your hardwood floors, call now for emergency drying. We'll extract moisture, stabilize the wood, and handle your insurance claim before the damage becomes permanent.