Water damage to subflooring can have many causes in any home. Whatever the cause, water damage can lead to mold and rot, and should be fixed as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of water damage to subfloor systems and what you can do to prevent it.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most common causes of water damage to subflooring. This damage can be the result of a plumbing leak, a roof leak, or any other type of water leak. The most common type of water leak that damages subflooring is a plumbing leak. Plumbing leaks can occur anywhere in the system, from the faucet in the kitchen to the water heater in the basement.
Leaks can cause a lot of damage, not just to the subflooring, but to the walls and ceiling of the room as well. If a leak is not repaired quickly, the water can damage the drywall, the insulation, and even the framing of the house. In some cases, the water can even damage the electrical wiring in the house.
If you have a leak in your house, you should repair it as soon as possible. The longer the leak goes untreated, the more damage it will cause. Not only will the leak cause water damage to the subflooring, but it may also cause structural damage to the house.
Water leaks are a common and often overlooked cause of water damage. Any water that leaks through the floor and comes into contact with the subflooring can cause damage.
Flooding
When a home is flooded, the water can quickly seep into the floors, saturating the subflooring. In some cases, the water may even rise above the level of the subflooring, putting extra pressure on the boards. This can cause the boards to buckle and warp, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If the flooding is not addressed quickly, the water can also cause the plywood to rot, creating even more extensive damage.
Forgotten Spills
Most people think of water damage as resulting from a burst pipe or a storm that causes flooding. While these are certainly common causes, they are not the only ones. Another common cause of water damage to subflooring is forgotten spills.
Forgotten spills can be caused by anything from a small spillage of a cup of water to a large spillage like a spilled mop bucket. And they can cause just as much damage as a flood if not cleaned up timely.
If a forgotten spill is not cleaned up quickly, the water can seep through the flooring above and into the subflooring. This can cause the flooring to warp, buckle, or even rot. In some cases, the water may even enter the walls and cause damage to the framing or the insulation.
Excessive Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It’s measured in percentages and is expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor the air could hold at a given temperature. The higher the humidity, the more water vapor is in the air.
Excessive humidity can cause damage to subflooring. When the humidity is high, the water vapor in the air can penetrate building materials and cause the wood in floors and subfloors to swell and buckle. In severe cases, the subflooring can warp and rot, and the flooring can buckle and come loose.
How To Prevent Water Damage To Subflooring
Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems a homeowner can face. It can cause damage to the home’s structure, as well as to the belongings inside. There are a few ways to help prevent water damage to your subflooring.
First, make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated. A well-sealed and insulated home will help to keep the water out, and will also help to keep the home’s temperature consistent, which can prevent moisture from building up.
You should also regularly check your home for leaks. Leaks can be caused by a variety of things, from worn-out seals around windows and doors to a faulty water heater. Fixing leaks as soon as you find them is a key part of preventing damage.
Furthermore, you need to install a flood alarm. A flood alarm is a device that will sound an alarm when it detects water. This can be a great way to catch a flood before it has a chance to do too much damage. Pay attention to weather forecasts, and be prepared for severe weather. If you know a storm is headed your way, take steps to protect your home from flooding.
Protecting Your Home From Water Damage
As you can see, there is a myriad of ways that your subflooring can be damaged by water. Therefore, it’s imperative to take steps to mitigate this damage. By following our tips, you can keep water from ruining your subflooring.