At Completely Floored we hear this question a lot. After all, the Pacific Northwest is well-known for rain.
Of course, you may want to avoid the problem entirely, and that’s entirely possible. Feel free to come into our showroom in Everett and we’ll show you selections of tile, luxury vinyl or waterproof flooring, for an installation that is 100 percent impervious to liquid.
There are, however, some kinds of flooring installations that will require a little extra, but easy, TLC. They include:
●Laminate. If liquid seeps between boards you’re going to see swelling, curling, gapping. Blot, don’t rub, spills immediately. If you get the liquid up right away on this kind of flooring, there probably won’t be much, if any damage to the installation.
If it does get between the flooring boards, and you have to replace them, it’s a simple procedure, even for DIY, because they just snap together.
Initially, however, it’s a good idea to get the laminate flooring placed by a professional installer.
●Hardwood. Water is public enemy #1, but many don’t realize there are two types of hardwood:
1.Solid: This is as it sounds, solid all the way through. Water can cause solid to warp, buckle or cup.
2.Engineered, and, yes, it’s real wood, but it’s layered, and that construction makes it more stable and water resistant with more installation flexibility,
Don’t panic, but know that fast action is critical. If you can, stop the source of the leak. Wipe as much as possible (if possible, get a wet vacuum), remove all wet items from the floor, and disinfect. You want to get rid of bacteria and prevent mold, and use fans and dehumidifiers.
You still may want call a professional to examine it to be sure there’s no liquid “hiding” under the planks.
Engineered is more water-resistant, but you still want to get rid of the water ASAP to be sure it’s not submerged in puddles.
●Carpet. With this installation, it’s not just about the surface carpet; water can often penetrate as far down as the padding, and that gives mold and mildew a chance to grow. Wipe spills immediately, and use fans and dehumidifiers.
For more information, feel free to come into the Completely Floored showroom in Everett, WA.
