Dealing with water underneath engineered wood floors can be tricky, but it is important to figure out how the water got there and what the next steps are.
If water gets underneath an engineered wood floor it can soak the plywood core and cause the hardwood layer to expand. Over time, if a large amount of water finds its way underneath, structural damage is likely to occur as well as mold growth.
Keep reading this article to discover how waterproof engineered wood really is, and how you can spot the signs of water damage before it is too late.
Is Engineered Wood Waterproof?
Engineered wood is made from a top layer of hardwood which is bonded to a substrate of plywood. You can think of this as similar to a hardwood floor, except hardwood floors are made entirely from hardwood whereas engineered floors simply contain a small layer of genuine hardwood that is bonded to plywood below.
In terms of waterproofing, it is reasonable to suggest that most engineered wood floors are water-resistant rather than waterproof. This water resistance is a result of two things.
Structure
The plywood core contains layers that are glued perpendicular to one another.
This means that engineered wood floors are less likely to warp and change shape, which can result in gaps appearing between floorboards – something that is very common in hardwood floors. This is crucial for water resistance as gaps are the easiest location for water to soak underneath your floor and cause damage.
Finish
The other reason why engineered wood is water resistance is much more simple and relates to the surface finish.
The top layer containing the hardwood is treated with a seal that is water-resistant, and some manufacturers claim to have waterproof seals as well although these are new to the market and so it is hard to tell whether they work in the long run.
If engineered wood is so water-resistant, then how does water actually end up underneath it in the first place?
How Does Water Get Underneath Engineered wood?
Despite being a relatively water-safe type of flooring, engineered wood is still susceptible to water under the right circumstances.
Humidity Levels
Humidity plays a vital role in water building up underneath engineered wood flooring.
If the surface finish isn’t providing 100% protection from water, which can be the case for a variety of reasons such as scratches, improper installation or simply wear and tear over time, then moisture can be absorbed from the air into the hardwood surface layer.
Check out our guide here to determine whether the seal is effective or not as a starting point.
Improper Acclimation
When engineered wood floors are installed they need to be acclimatised to the environment for a couple of days.
This allows for the hardwood layer to adjust to the humidity of the room before the planks are installed into place. If done incorrectly, the floor will buckle or show gaps over time which creates areas for water to easily get underneath.
From Underneath
This may sound stupid at first, but the most common cause for serious water problems underneath engineered wood floors is almost always a water source from below.
Common sources include water leaks, such as those from dishwashers or broken water pipes, as well as in areas where the humidity in the ground can be high such as basements.
Fortunately, water sources from below are easy to spot as your floor will warp very quickly which means you can address the issue more quickly rather than waiting for more damage to occur.
What Problems Can This Cause?
Know we understand how water gets underneath engineered wood floors, let’s take a look at what problems this can cause in the long run.
Mold
Damp environments are perfect places for mold to grow and underneath flooring is no exception to this rule.
Mold is a problem as it can not only cause health problems such as respiratory issues or allergic reactions, but over time it can also damage the wood as well.
Structural Damage
The plywood that forms the foundation of engineered wood flooring can absorb water and eventually become drenched. Even though high-quality plywood is used normally, there is still the risk that the plywood can completely break down and ruin the structural foundation of the floor.
Water can also affect other parts of the structure like joints as well.
How To Spot The Signs Of Water Damage
Spotting the signs of water damage is quite easy.
Firstly, if you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your floor even after it is cleaned this can be a sign that mold is growing underneath.
Structural problems should be instantly recognisable. If your engineered wood floor has gaps, or shows any signs of warping, cupping or buckling then these are all indicators that there is a water problem underneath.
When Should You Contact A Professional?
It makes sense to contact a professional for any type of water damage on engineered wood floors as it can be very difficult to repair by yourself.
In fact, the only type of water damage that can be repaired easily is surface marks and spots that are caused by water spills that are left to stand on the surface or those left behind after mopping.
Final Thoughts
Water under engineered wood floors can lead to some pretty serious problems in the future.
Get in touch with a professional for their opinion if you run into this problem.