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Schools & Excess Moisture On Gym Floors
Action Guidlines

1: Excess moisture from the flooded condition must be removed immediately. If cupping is the only adverse result, drying of the floor is necessary. The use of fants and dehumidfiers from the interior or below the floor system may be all that is necessary to remove the cup. It is necessary to turn off any humidfication system, and turn on the heat to 68 - 74 Degrees Ferenheight. After the flooring has flattened from the drying procedures, screening, filling, and re-coating could be sufficient for repair. If staining has occured further restoration may be required.

2: If the water has been removed and cupping is prominent (buckling not present) light sanding across the grain of the flooring to remove the finish is required ( this procedure should be done by a professional ). Since the sanding drum followings the contour of the cup. flooring edges are not removed, which helps prevent crowing later. The sanding bare wood; simply remove a majority of the finish. Drying of the floor as described in #1 should be inititated.

After drying has occured and the floor has stabilized and flatted restoration may bein. This is a judgment call as the more severe the initial cause the more remedy 3 is indicated.

3: If the floor has cupped and buckled, excess moisture probably remains in the flooring and floor system. Since the floor has buckled, and has loosened from the sub-floor, replacement of the damaged area is generally the procedure for repair. The excess moisture needs to be removed before any re-installation and finishing. Do not attempt a cosmetic repair. Later problems with staining, crowning, cracks, finish failure, or loose floors could develop. By the time these later problems occur most insurance calim releases ahve been signed, and either the school or flooring contractor is saddled with the final repair.

In summary quick action to remove excess moisture is the first step in successful repair. Secondly, fants, heat, and dehumidifers will be needed. Lastly, patiece is required as finished flooring and floor systems do not react and dry out overnight.

Cupping & Crowning

Cupped Flooring:

Step 1: Flooring absorbing excessive moisture on the underside causes expransion and cupping with the edges raised.

Flooring Sanded Flat:

Step 2: Floor is sanded flat while at the higher moisture content, resulting in strips with thnner edges.

Crowned Flooring:

Step 3: Flooring loses some excess moisture, shrinks on the underside and flattens, leaving the edges of strips lower than the centers.