With seasons changing and warmer weather approaching, homeowners are beginning to plan changes and maintenance for their homes. When doing so, one key aspect to not overlook is your flooring. This is the perfect time to make sure your flooring is ready for summer humidity and scorching heat. Let’s talk about the top five flooring issues to consider this spring season.
Excess Humidity or Moisture
Spring is the time to ensure your floors aren’t showing the effects of humidity or moisture. Many homes are sealed for the winter. Windows are closed tight, heaters funnel steamy warmth throughout the home, and fresh air is scarce. Excess humidity is your floor’s enemy, and stagnant indoor air promotes moisture accumulation. For hardwood floors, check in corners and along walls to make sure there’s no warping or curling. Check the corners of carpeted rooms for unpleasant odors or discoloration.
Mold
Mold is an unfortunate side-effect of excessive humidity. On a hardwood, laminate, or vinyl floor, grayish-black spots may be the first sign of mold spores. Carpet discoloration and odors may also indicate mold, and gray spots in the grout may foretell mold formation beneath the tile. Left unchecked, mold spores multiply rapidly, spread to walls and other hidden areas, and may cause health problems.
Leaks
During most winters, your home endures a steady pounding of rain and snow. Roof leaks are common, particularly if water-trapping leaves or debris aren’t cleaned off the roof and gutter system before winter. In some cases, water may drip down into an interior wall and go unnoticed until it accumulates beneath the floor. Plumbing leaks also often go undetected for an extended period, and may not be noticed until floors become damp or soft. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your floors closely for dampness, softening, or buckling that may be the first signs of a water leak.
Floods and Storms
Unfortunately, spring showers sometimes bring floods that can damage a home’s interior. At times, a heavy spring storm alone is enough to penetrate your home’s exterior and expose floors to damaging quantities of water. This may or may not create a need to replace your floors. A trained, water damage expert can assess your flood or storm damage and determine your floors’ salvageability.
Seldom Used Rooms
Spring is the time to closely inspect floors in areas of your home that may have gone largely unused during the winter months. To save on winter utilities, many of us heat the rooms we spend the most time in. When floor damage goes undetected for extended periods, both the severity of the problem and the cost of repairs increase.
Call Water Damage America
If your spring floor inspection uncovers water-related flooring problems, Water Damage America can help. We have the experience, knowledge, and skill to tackle any flooring damaged by water. Give us a call today!
