Bloated parquet from water – what to do?

Parquet is a flooring option that can add a touch of sophistication to any living room. This type of flooring is made from wood and comes in various types, including piece, panel, and set. However, despite its many benefits, parquet flooring has a tendency to swell.

Bloated parquet – what to do?

Bloating can occur due to a variety of factors, but the primary culprit is typically water. How does water manage to seep into the parquet? If there was no liquid spill on the floor, then it could have infiltrated in the form of vapor. It is crucial to monitor the humidity levels, ensuring that it does not exceed 40-60%.

If the humidity is within the normal range, then it suggests that it is infiltrating from underneath. It is likely that the parquet board installation process was not conducted properly, and a waterproofing film was not placed beneath it. It is possible that the neighbors residing below have a room with high humidity, and that is where it seeps in and condenses. It is not uncommon for parquet flooring to become swollen due to water damage caused by the tenants living above. During the installation process, proper ventilation gaps may not have been included, and the parquet itself may have been laid directly on damp concrete.

What can be done if your hardwood flooring is swollen due to water exposure? The first step is to closely inspect the affected area in order to identify potential reasons behind the swelling.

Examine the place of deformation

Firstly, it is essential to conduct a thorough examination of the location where the deformation occurred. By analyzing the appearance of the damage, it is often possible to identify the underlying causes of the swelling and, consequently, determine the appropriate corrective measures.

If the affected area encompasses more than one-third of the room, the only viable solution is to completely replace the flooring. Such a situation may arise due to factors like flooding or inadequate waterproofing. However, more commonly, the swelling is localized. In such cases, the planks may exhibit blisters at the joints or undergo wavy distortion along their entire length.

Determining the cause

Localized deformation can be caused by a variety of factors:

• If the expansion joint is not sufficiently wide;
• In the absence of moisture ingress but the presence of localized swelling, it may indicate damage to the underfloor heating pipe or a broken waterproofing layer.
• Old and deteriorated coatings are prone to swelling when exposed to water spills.

Method of restoration

1. If you used a different quality of parquet, it will be immediately noticeable. Such planks have a distinctive pattern. If the wood used for this parquet is of high quality and well dried, then any changes will likely be unnoticeable and you can leave it as is. However, if the swelling is very noticeable, you can sand down that area. Afterward, you’ll need to treat the joints with putty and apply a coat of varnish to the parquet. Going forward, try to maintain a consistent temperature in the room.
2. If there are no expansion joints or they are not wide enough, you can correct the situation with a circular saw. You’ll need to go throughout the entire room, along the baseboards, and create gaps.
3. If the waterproof film was not installed during the installation and the coating has swollen due to the wet mineral screed, it is necessary to perform a complete dismantling of the floor in order to open it up and thoroughly dry the entire base.
4. If the planks have swollen from water but the damage is limited and the room itself is dry, it is advisable to wait for a week. During this time, the planks will naturally dry out and settle back into place.
5. If the damage is extensive enough, a complete replacement of the flooring is necessary. The swollen planks need to be pried off and removed.

It is not recommended to reuse the damaged parquet boards as their geometry is already incorrect and all the joints have become unusable.

Express – repair of parquet flooring

If there is a single spot on the parquet floor that is swollen, what should be done in this situation? The easiest way to fix a partially swollen parquet floor is to restore the optimal moisture levels. The humidity in the room should be reduced to around fifty percent. In the summer, it is recommended to extensively ventilate the room, while in the winter, using heat fans is advised. Gently heat the swollen area with a hair dryer, ensuring that the wood does not overheat. Place a piece of plywood over the swollen spot and place a weight on top of it. Occasionally remove the plywood to allow the parquet floor to ventilate properly.

Repair with partial dismantling of plathes

If the damaged area is relatively small, there is no need to remove the entire floor. It is relatively easy to replace a portion of the parquet.

1. Once the floor has dried, the damaged area should be removed. If there are any remaining slats from the original installation, they can be used to assist in this process. However, if the parquet is of an artistic nature, it is best to seek the assistance of specialists.
2. After removing the damaged parts, it is important to assess the extent of water penetration underneath the parquet. If the waterproofing has effectively prevented water from seeping through, then the area should be dried. Avoid using a hair dryer, as the hot air may damage the protective film.
3. Wipe away any condensation on the surface and allow it to dry. A heat gun can be used to expedite the drying process.
4. Lastly, thoroughly clean the area to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
5. Once the dirt has been removed and the area has been fully dried, you can proceed with the replacement. The last step in the process is to sand down the repaired area and then add a fresh layer of varnish.
6. After properly preparing the surface, it is important to apply a coating of varnish. This should be done in two separate layers, allowing each layer to fully dry before applying the next one.