What Should I Do If My Wood Floors Are Wet? A ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Expert Guide for Chicagoland Homeowners

Wet Wood Floors Are an Emergency—Here’s Why

A spilled glass of water won’t ruin your floors. But a pipe burst, dishwasher leak, or storm-driven water intrusion can leave lasting damage to your flooring if not handled immediately. And not all wood floors are the same.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly water can destroy flooring—especially when property owners don’t realize how porous some "water-resistant" surfaces truly are.

“Water-Resistant” Doesn’t Mean Waterproof

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that water-resistant flooring can’t be damaged by water. In reality, this label means the material can resist small spills if cleaned quickly—but it won’t survive standing water, moisture trapped underneath, or prolonged exposure.

If your floors are wet, assume they’re at risk—no matter what the packaging claimed.

How Different Types of Wood Flooring React to Water

1. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood is extremely vulnerable to water. Even a minor leak can lead to:

• Cupping – when the edges of planks rise above the center
• Crowning – when the center of planks becomes raised
• Buckling – boards lift completely off the subfloor
• Permanent discoloration or warping

Drying hardwood requires controlled humidity, air movement, and time. Rapid drying or sanding too soon can make the damage worse.

2. Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood has a thin veneer of hardwood over a plywood base. It resists moisture better than solid wood—but only to a point.

• If the core swells, the entire plank can delaminate.
• If water gets underneath the flooring, mold can develop quickly.
• Drying may preserve the surface but can’t always restore the structural integrity.

3. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) topped with a printed layer that mimics wood grain.

• Once water penetrates the seams, HDF swells and crumbles.
• Boards may bubble, lift, or split.
• Laminate is rarely salvageable after water exposure.

Even the “water-resistant” versions usually have limitations listed in the fine print.

4. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Vinyl Tile

Vinyl flooring offers the best water resistance of all wood-look options.

• True waterproof LVP can withstand flooding without warping.
• However, if water seeps underneath, the subfloor may still suffer.
• Mold and mildew under vinyl are common after unnoticed leaks.

Removal may be necessary to inspect and dry beneath the flooring.

What To Do Immediately If Your Wood Floors Are Wet

Step 1: Identify and stop the source of water.
Step 2: Remove rugs, furniture, and wet items.
Step 3: Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water.
Step 4: Set up fans and a dehumidifier—let them run continuously.
Step 5: Avoid walking on the wet floor. Foot traffic can push moisture deeper.

Even if your floor looks dry, moisture may remain trapped underneath or in the subfloor. That’s where professional equipment and monitoring come in.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

Hardwood and engineered wood floors require precision drying techniques. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we use:

• Moisture meters to test plank and subfloor saturation
• Thermal imaging to trace water movement
• HEPA air scrubbers to remove mold spores
• Floor mat drying systems to pull moisture from deep layers
• IICRC S500-certified protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness

In many cases, we can save your wood floors—but only if action is taken quickly.

How We Help Restore Your Floors

When our technicians arrive, we assess:

• The type of flooring and extent of damage
• The water source (clean, gray, or black water)
• How far the moisture has spread
• Whether drying or replacement is most cost-effective

We work directly with your insurance company and provide detailed documentation, photographs, and moisture readings to support your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I save my hardwood floors after a water leak?
Yes, but only if you act fast. The sooner we begin controlled drying, the better the outcome.

Is engineered wood better than hardwood for water resistance?
It is more resistant—but not waterproof. Both can suffer serious damage if not dried properly.

Should I pull up my flooring myself?
We don’t recommend it. Improper removal can release mold spores and void insurance coverage.

How long does it take wood floors to dry?
It can take several days to weeks depending on saturation, type of floor, and ambient humidity.

Does insurance cover wet floor damage?
Often yes—especially if the cause was sudden and accidental. We help streamline the claim process.

Why Trust ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has been Chicago’s trusted name in water damage cleanup for over 40 years. We are:

• IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers
• MBE/WBE Certified
• Members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
• 2020 BBB Torch Award Honorees
• Skokie Business of the Year – Honorable Mention

We proudly serve Chicagoland, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County, including Chicago, Skokie, Wilmette, Evanston, Deerfield, Oak Park, and beyond.

Read Our Book for More Guidance

Looking to better protect your home from water and fire damage? Check out our Amazon-published guide:

📘 RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
Written by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Restorer & co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

Need Help Right Now?

Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at (773) 376-1110 or request service at
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com