After a fire, you must salvage whatever you can from the damage. If your home has hardwood floors, you may wonder if they can be saved or if you must start from scratch. While cleaning up and repairing a burnt wood floor is possible, it’s not always easy. Also, if the damage is severe, you may need to hire professionals (read more on that).
Here are some helpful tips before deciding to call it quits:
Thoroughly inspect the floor for any structural damage.
Firstly, you need to assess the damage. If the fire was small and caused superficial damage, you may be able to sand and refinish the flooring. However, if the fire is large or burned for an extended period, the flooring will likely need to be replaced.
You also need the help of experts, like these Scottsdale remediation services, to ensure that the area is completely safe before you start working.
Start by removing all of the soot and debris.
Once you’ve determined that the flooring can be salvaged, you need to start cleaning it up. This is time-consuming, but it’s essential to do it right. If there are any loose pieces of wood, remove them as well.
Use a damp cloth or mop to wipe down the entire surface.
Dampen a cloth or mop with water and wipe down the entire surface. This helps remove any soot or debris that’s still clinging to the wood. Use a gentle touch, as you don’t want to damage the flooring any further.
It helps to know the different types of wooden floors, so you know how to treat them. Here are the most common types:
- Hardwood floors. These are the most common type of wooden floors and are made from various kinds of wood, including oak, maple, and cherry. Hardwood floors are durable and easy to clean but can be damaged by water and heat.
- Engineered wood floors. These floors are made from a thin layer of real wood atop a plywood or particle board substrate. They’re more resistant to water and heat than hardwood floors but can still be damaged if exposed to excessive moisture or heat.
- Laminate floors. These have a plywood or particle board base with a laminate surface. They are more resistant to moisture and heat than hardwood and engineered wood floors. Though they are more resistant to scratches, they can still be damaged from scratches.
- Vinyl floors. These have a vinyl surface and are made from various materials, including PVC, fiberglass, and nylon. Vinyl floors are durable and easy to clean but can be damaged by heat and sharp objects.
- Linoleum floors. These are made from linseed oil and wood flour and are sealed with a wax coating. They are resistant to moisture but can be scratched easily.
Use mild detergent to scrub the floor.
Use a mild detergent to scrub any stubborn areas of dirt or grime. Do this using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area well afterward so that no residue is left behind. If necessary, use a mixture of vinegar and water.
Dry the floor completely.
Once you’ve cleaned the floor, dry it completely. If there’s any moisture left behind, it could cause the wood to warp or discolor. Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process, or open your windows to help with the ventilation.
Start repairing any damage.
If there are any cracks or gouges in the floor, you can use wood filler to repair them. Be sure to match the filler to the wood’s color, so it’s not noticeable. Once the filler is dry, you can sand it down to flush with the rest of the floor.
Apply a sealant or finish.
When the floor is dry, you may apply a sealant or finish to protect it from future damage. This will also give the floor a shine and make it look new again. There are a variety of finishes available, so be sure to choose one that’s right for your floors.
Contact professionals if the damage is too severe.
If the damage to your floor is too severe, you may need to call a professional for help. They will be able to sand down the floors and refinish them to look new. They may even need to replace some of the boards if the damage is extensive.
