TIPS

• Please ensure your property is safe, both for power and plumbing before you enter.
• Photograph and record the conditions.
• Naturally, contact your insurer.
• Floorboards on chipboard or particleboard substrates over joists are less likely to be recoverable, as the chipboard or particleboard will have absorbed too much water and swelled particularly at sheet edges. These dual layer floors will dry out unevenly and lead to extensive cupping of the upper floor boards.
• Floorboards laid over concrete slabs, whether direct fix, on battens or on a substrate such as plywood or particleboard, it is highly unlikely these will be recoverable and should be removed as soon as possible to allow cleaning and drying of the slab. The silt and mud trapped under these type of floors will render them unrepairable.
• Floorboards direct to joists – as soon as flood waters recede beneath floorboards on joists do all you can to remove the water and mud from the floorboards. Dry the boards off as best as possible with old towels and the like. Speed is of essence. Once power is restored, utilise air conditioners, de-humidifiers and fans to dry everything as best as possible and to provide maximum ventilation.

If the boards retain reasonable shape and only show signs of expansion it may be possible to save them, though it will take some months before the boards are fully dry and before any repair is attempted.

Moisture readings of the boards will need to be taken before repair can occur to ensure they are at the correct level.
If the boards begin to warp and twist, they may be beyond repair.

Should you have any questions regarding your floor, please send your query to info@timberlinefloors.com.au