With the recent storms like Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton, many homes in Naples, Venice, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas have been impacted by flooding. If your home has suffered water damage, you might be worried about your hardwood floors. The good news? With quick action and the right steps, you can often save your floors, buff and recoat them, and avoid costly replacements.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the immediate steps to take if your hardwood floors have been affected by water. We’ll also cover whether you can refinish engineered hardwood, and how recoating can extend the life of your floors. Whether you’re in Naples, Venice, St. Petersburg, or anywhere in Fort Myers, we’ve got you covered!
Immediate Steps to Take After Flooding
Time is critical when it comes to saving water-damaged hardwood floors. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Remove Water Immediately
As soon as the floodwaters recede, remove any standing water from your floors. Use a mop, towels, or a wet vacuum to absorb the excess moisture.
2. Dry the Area Completely
Once the water is gone, place fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to help dry out the floors quickly. The goal is to prevent cupping or buckling of the wood. This step is crucial to ensure the floors are salvageable.
3. Inspect for Damage
Check for signs of warping or cupping. If you catch these early, you may be able to buff and recoat the floors, which is a cost-effective way to restore them without needing a full replacement.
If the planks are buckling (lifting from the subfloor), this might indicate the need for replacement. But in many cases, with proper care, you can recoat and refresh your hardwood floors, saving both time and money!
Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood?
One of the top questions we hear at HK Floor Recoating is, “Can you refinish engineered hardwood?” The answer is yes—in some cases.
While engineered hardwood is more moisture-resistant than solid wood, it’s still vulnerable to water damage. If the top veneer of the engineered hardwood is thick enough, you can refinish it. However, unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood can only be refinished a limited number of times, so it’s important to have a professional assess whether your floors can be saved.
When to Buff and Recoat Your Hardwood Floors
If the water damage is mostly surface-level, with only light cupping or scratches, you may be able to buff and recoat the floors. Buffing removes the top layer of the finish, and recoating adds a fresh layer to protect and restore the floor’s natural shine.
This method works best when the damage hasn’t penetrated deep into the wood. By rebuffing and recoating, you can avoid the high cost of replacing the floors entirely.
Tips for Saving Your Hardwood Floors
- Act quickly: Removing the water and drying your floors as soon as possible gives you the best chance of saving them.
- Use fans and dehumidifiers: Proper air circulation is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
- Minimize foot traffic on the floors while drying.
- Call a professional: At HK Floor Recoating, we specialize in evaluating and restoring hardwood floors in Naples, Venice, St. Petersburg, and throughout Fort Myers. We can help you decide whether buffing and recoating or refinishing is the right solution for your home.
When to Consider Replacement
Unfortunately, in some cases, replacement may be necessary. If your floors have severe buckling or mold, replacing the wood might be the best solution. However, in many cases, timely action and professional care can save your floors.
Protect and Refresh Your Floors with HK Floor Recoating
Living in Florida means being prepared for storms like Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton, but your hardwood floors don’t have to be a casualty. With quick action and the right professional care, your floors can be restored to their former glory. Whether it’s a light buff and recoat or a full refinishing, HK Floor Recoating is here to help you get the job done right.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your floors and how we can help save and restore your hardwood floors!
For over 20 years, we’ve been helping homeowners in Florida protect and preserve their hardwood floors. Let us help you keep yours in top condition!
📞 Call us at: 239-841-0143
📧 Email us: hnkfloorrecoating@gmail.com
