Hardwood floors are the first choice for Brisbane homeowners for their beauty, durability, and natural appeal. However, Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate is prone to natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, cyclones, and storms, which have a severe impact on timber floors. A disaster strike can break your floorboards or compromise their structural integrity. Natural disasters are devastating for residential and commercial areas.
The disaster is inevitable, but protecting timber floors and professional damage repair are always options for Brisbane homeowners. Budget Floor Sanding’s local expertise and knowledge of weather conditions in Brisbane, Queensland, Redcliffe, and the surrounding suburbs make it a first choice for residents for timber issues.
We will explore the impact, precautionary measures in protecting timber floors from natural disasters, and how to deal with the damage after the impact.
Effect Of Natural Disasters On Timber Floors
The impact of a flood, storm, or fire on timber depends on its intensity and duration. If the floor is well-maintained, effects are reversible and can be fixed with maintenance; however, if the floor condition is compromised, it is likely to get damaged and may require replacement after the disaster is over.
The impacts of natural disasters on timber floors are:
- Discoloration
- Warping
- Cupping and crowning
- Fungal infestation
- Formation of splinters and cracks
Flood-Resilient Home Building Design and Requirements
Brisbane’s location and sub-tropical weather favor uninviting floods and storms. These facts are the reasons that keep Brisbane residents prepared. It is essential to prepare the construction design that favors the protection of the house during flooding. Timber floors are most affected by floods as wood absorbs water and swells, resulting in the breakage of the floorboards.
Flood resilience means preparing before a flood and returning to life without minimum disruptions. Using flood-resilient design and materials when building a home is a smart approach to avoid damage caused by flooding.
Approaches In Flood-Resilient Timber Floor Designs
The following are some preventive measures for timber floor protection that each resident should be aware of to avoid damage from floods:
Consult a professional builder. Your licensed architect or builder can advise on better flood-resilient designs and construction materials.
- Keep the timber floor’s protective finish intact.
A well-maintained protective finish prevents water absorption. Water-based polyurethane finishes and penetrating oil-based finishes are suitable for the Brisbane climate. - Open the external staircase.
Install an open external staircase slightly lifted from the ground. Elevate the level of your house by installing water-resistant support structures as the base. - Subfloor maintenance and ventilation.
Ensure the subfloor gets adequate ventilation. A good airflow in the subfloor is essential to prevent moisture absorption and rotting. - Professional intervention.
Have your timber floors inspected by a professional annually to catch internal damage in the floorboards. Sanding and polishing can increase the lifespan of the hardwood floors and minimize the risk of extensive damage from natural disasters.
Prompt Responses After A Disaster
The immediate steps which homeowners should take after a disaster has struck are as follows:
- Use a generator-powered vacuum and water extractors to remove water from internal spaces of the house.
- Inspect the floor for any damage and avoid turning on the electricity.
- Ensure proper ventilation by opening the windows. Use dehumidifiers to speed up the process. Wipe away the puddles of water with a cloth.
- Seek professional help to assess the damage to the timber floor and subfloor. A professional timber floor expert guides on the treatments required to repair the floor (sanding, polishing, and partial or complete replacement).
Different Timber types and their ability to withstand flood damage
Each timber has different water absorption characteristics and responds differently when exposed to a natural disaster. The ability to withstand flood damage depend on wood species, density, and composition. It is essential to understand the characteristics of different timbers before renovating your floors or installing a new one.
The following are some examples of woods and their water absorption capacity and ability to withstand flood damage:
Spotted gum (Australian Hardwood): With low water absorption capacity and high density, this wood is best for flood-prone areas like Brisbane and its suburbs.
Jarrah: It has excellent water resistance capability and high density, making it a popular flooring choice.
Blackbutt: With moderate flood resistance and high density, this wood is ideal for keeping your floors safe from disasters.
Oak: Oak flooring is most sought after among Brisbane homeowners due to its aesthetic appeal, availability in different colors, and durability. However, it provides medium resistance to flood damage.
Ironbark: This wood is an excellent water repellent and provides high-level protection against natural disasters.
Engineered floors: The intensity to resist flood damage depends on the veneer thickness. Delamination of the inner plywood layers due to prolonged water exposure means the floor requires complete replacement.
In summary, high-density woods ( jarrah, ironbark, and spotted gum) provide stronger protection against floods compared to softwoods and plywood flooring.
Why Choose a Brisbane Timber Floor Restoration Specialist
Natural disasters pose serious risks to people and their homes. Timber floor damage after a flood requires immediate professional intervention to recover and preserve your floors. Budget floor sanding Brisbane provides professional services that are budget-friendly and customized to the specific needs of homeowners. We offer on-site inspection for damage assessment and emergency response to flood or storm damage.
Call us now to get a free quote at 0418 882 678.
