Did you know that carpets are 4,000 times dirtier than toilet bowls? This statistic is startling, but it makes sense when you stop to think about it. Carpets hide/absorb dirt, dust, pet hair, moisture, food particles, and other debris.

However, that’s not to say that hardwood floors are immune to dirt and damage. In fact, water damage to hardwood floors can completely ruin your flooring.

Fortunately, there are some simple tips to prevent these types of damages. We’re here to tell you how it’s done. Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to avoid letting water damage ruin your hardwood flooring.

Waterproof Your Floors

Sealing your hardwood planks is the first step in learning how to prevent water damage to wood floors. It’s important to use an oil-based sealant, like urethane, when waterproofing a floor. Water-based sealants won’t last as long or stand up to the same level of abuse.

Maintain the Integrity of Your Roof and Foundation

Of course, preventing damage from water means keeping it out of your house. The most common areas of excess moisture entering a home are through the roof and the foundation.

To avoid water damage to wood floors, ensure the integrity of your roof. Regular inspections are recommended once a year. It’s also important to make sure you don’t have negative drainage, which will lead to water leaks in the foundation or basement.

Take Care of Leaky Pipes and Appliances as Soon as Possible

Wood flooring can be completely devastated by a leaking pipe, overflowing drains, and malfunctioning appliances. Keep an eye on your plumbing and appliances to make sure you don’t run into any of these problems, especially if your hardwood floors are unprotected.

Minimize Humidity in Your Home

People don’t often pay attention to humidity levels in their homes. However, a high level of humidity can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can destroy engineered wood and natural hardwood floors. If you live in a humid climate, invest in a good dehumidifier (or several) for your home.

Be Careful About Tracking in Water and Moisture

Water damage to wood floors can occur over time if you’re not careful. To prevent this type of slow wear and tear, ensure people take their shoes off while entering your house. If you have pets, make sure you wipe off their feet before entering, particularly if it’s wet or muddy outside.

Invest in Good Flood Insurance

Finally, preventing water damage to wood floors will be impossible if you experience flooding in your home. For this reason, we recommend investing in a solid flood insurance plan.

This is vital if you live anywhere near a flood zone. Check out Lloyds of London flood insurance to learn more about coverage.

Are You Trying to Prevent Water Damage to Wood Floors?

In most cases, avoiding water damage to wood floors is relatively easy. Follow the tips listed above to make sure you’re not letting water, moisture, mold, or mildew ruin your hardwood flooring.

And if you’re looking for more housekeeping tips or maintenance advice, you’re in the right place. Take a look through the rest of our blog to find more information that can help you improve your life.