I have some water damage on hardwood floors - - the area turned the wood black - -
What would be the cheapest easiest way to repair? Or replace? It's not a large area, but very noticeable. Sand and refinish? Just that area, or should I plan to do the entire room? Wouldn't my homeowners insurance be able to help? I am also now fighting mold everywhere - - - my walls are cedar (cabin) - they appear to be fine - but everything else is "musty" - - I know this is not healthy, and I'm at this property often, but I'd hate to see it destroyed too. HELP.

I would suggest installing a dehumidier and turning it on for a good while if you can. That will get the initial moisture out of the air to control the mold and mildew.

Here is a website for restoring hardwood floors that you may glean some information from.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/interior-home-improvement/www.buyerzone.com/.../hardwood.../ndkws-restoring-hardwood-floors

Tick

Edit: if you cannot access the url I provided, I assure you it was there when I read it, you will have to go to Google and put in 'restoring hardwood floors'.

As for insurance, how did you get the water damage, leaking roof, flood, back up of sewer, each policy will pay or not pay for various reasons

Having to had to deal with this issue about the floor... if the black is just at the surface, some of it can be sanded out, and if you do this...
You might plan on doing your whole floor at the same time. A "good" floor sander would be able to tell you more if you can get him to look at it. What location are you in?

Do you know what could be the cause of this mildew/moldy smell? You said water damange, but not sure where from. Can you more specific? That would help tremdously in helping you.

I live in the north Georgia Mountains - in the woods - - and we've had incredible amounts of rain - - Today, I cut back lots and lots of the overgrown bushes and tree limbs that were keeping the sun from the house - - I've been so afraid to do this - thinking I'll kill everything - and I can't afford to replace - - but WOW - it looks so much better already - and the sun is shining in - - I'm on my way to buy a dehumidifier - and I have my late husbands belt sander - and perhaps I can get some help moving all the furniture out and I'll just do the entire room - - just like trimming those bushes - I'm afraid to start these projects alone - something like - - - power tools! Bigger mistakes - faster! -- but with the advise and support of this website, I'm gaining courage - Thanks! I'm now researching what kind of sealer to put on that is pretty tough - -

I am a woman, and I wll tell you that once you do a few practice runs, you will feel okay working with them.

Belt sander can gouge. so be careful. Some people get mezmorized by sanding and don't know when to quit. Seen this... just to warn you. (smile) Can you take a pic and post it? How much square footage?

You will be okay with help on these boards, but I am concerned about where the water came from to create that water damage. If you can tell me a bit about that, I can tell you were to look.

You can rent a drum sander. That would work nicely if you are planning on doing your own floor. Lot quicker too. You can get different grits for sanding. Always do some practice on something first, so you get the feel.

Thank you for the encouragement!! I think I'll rent the drum sander as you suggested! Quick is good! The water damage came from spilled liquid (probably a drink from the grandkids - - or piddle from the Grand dogs.) that soaked into an area rug - that we didn't notice - until it was too late - - when I moved the rug - the square of the rug is laid out in black on the floor!

I LOVE these boards - - this is just awesome - I'm feeling empowered!! Thanks again!

Yes, I know the problem well ! Don't forget to get a vacuum pick up Sander so you don't have to worry about the dust and stuff.

Good luck, and let us know how it all worked out.

Tick

I am glad took the time to cut away at your foilage from your house. Besides from creating more water and other wear on your homes materials, having some sunlight again must be just wonderful.

Okay, some plans on the floor. Some rental places have the drum sanders that you have to do some bending, and some have one you can operate standing upright. (grin) If you end up with the one you have to bend a bit, plan to do this in increments if it's a large area.
You will also need a smaller sander to get into those area's the drum won't reach. If you have shoe, or qaurter round along your base, taking this off (carefully) to get under that area would be great.

Do some research about sanding a floor. This will help you understand the steps involved, and you will even feel more empowered. (don't forget the mask while sanding)

Finishing is the biggest job on this job. 2 coats minimum, you may want to plan to stay at someone else's home as this dries in between.

There is also a water based poly as well, but I have only used this once and you cannot use regulary poly over it. This is where you may want to hire someone else to do it if you feel at all tired after all that sanding. (grin)

Poly is pretty stinky, and not good for health. Plus, you can't step or get any dust on it while it's drying.

I am not trying to talk you out of doing the finishing, but just trying to prep you a little.

Let us know what else you need to know. There are some really good and knowledgeable people on here.

Oxalic acid will remove the black stains. That is the component of Zud cleanser.

You have to remove any moisture get disinfectant spray on the areas ASAP. Bleach and water can work too if bleach doesn't damage the surface.

Fans and/or a dehumidifer are suggested.

This normally has to be done within 24 hrs of exposure to water.

When we had flood damage, the insurance company sent workers and set up huge dehumidifiers and fans to get rid of the moisture after all the water was drained.

Tick