skylar-price.com
23 Oct. 2016
Tiled floors may seem able to withstand flooding and leaks, but a number of factors can affect how well they survive after a water disaster. Depending on the type of tiles used and the method by which they were installed, your home or office may experience water damage that affects the tiles themselves or the subflooring upon which they are laid. Technicians from SERVPRO will inspect the tiles, their installation, and underlying floor after water intrudes. Specialized moisture probes will help determine if the tile floor has permitted water to make its way beneath the tiles which can modify how the water damage is managed.Resilient and hard tiled floors respond to water damage in Rexburg differently. An asphalt type tile is resilient, somewhat flexible and usually allows moisture in the underlying layer to escape without dislodging. It will adhere well even after a water soaking and usually can be mopped up and allowed to dry with little trouble. A vinyl tile may come loose from its subfloor as it is more rigid than asphalt. When this type of flooring dislodges, it is usually more cost effective to replace the tile. Both asphalt and vinyl tiles are often installed over concrete which will absorb some moisture. Asphalt tile may become chalky looking as the moisture in the concrete evaporates through the tile, but this residue can usually be scrubbed off as it is often simply the finish or a post-installation wax or sealer that has separated from the tile without causing failure of the tile itself.
Ceramic tile installed over plywood can be quite durable and provide waterproof protection unless there are cracks in the tiles themselves or the grout. If the grout fails or other cracks or unsealed seams occur, the wooden subfloor can become wet, causing buckling that may dislodge the ceramic tiles. SERVPRO professionals can determine whether it is necessary to remove all or some of the ceramic tiles to dry out the subfloor or if the supporting flooring can be dried from below. Once the wood underlying the tile is dried and smoothed with sanding, if required, the same ceramic tiles can be reinstalled and grouted.Special care needs to be taken if it is discovered that any of the affected tiles, the adhesives used to affix them or the subflooring contains asbestos. We may contract with a firm certified to remediate asbestos if we find your home contains flooring materials made from this hazardous substance.
Your local SERVPRO of Rexburg / Rigby is uniquely qualified to respond to your tiled floor water damage emergency. When water covers any type of floor tile, schedule an inspection and assessment day or night to ensure the correct procedures are followed to restore your flooring’s integrity. Call (208) 356-0263!
Other related articles:
Water Damage in a Basement Requires Professional Restoration
Damages to Expect from an Overflowing Toilet
Professional Service for Water Damage to Limit Loss
10 Reasons Why Your Basement is Wet in Rexburg
