If your home has suffered damage after a fire, there are numerous flooring considerations to think about. In addition to actual fire damage, you’ll need to think about smoke and water damage and how that affects the ability to restore the flooring. Here’s what you need to know when determining if bathroom flooring can be restored or if replacement is the best option.
Carpet
If part of your bathroom was carpeted, you’re almost always better off replacing the carpet. Even if the carpet wasn’t burned at all, the smoke odor is very difficult to fully remove, and in many cases it’s impossible to get rid of. Additionally, fire suppression efforts typically leave the carpet and underlying pad soaking wet, and unless it’s dried out in 24-48 hours, mold is likely already growing.
Tile
Tile is much more fire-resistant, so in some cases you may be able to restore the tile. In many cases tile floors look more damaged than they are because of soot, but the tile can often be cleaned by a professional, or in some cases using DIY methods. The ability to remove smoke odor depends on the type of tile you have and how porous it is.
Hardwood
Hardwood can sometimes be salvaged after fire if there’s not water damage as well. For minor damage, you may be able to restore the hardwood with sanding and refinishing. But if there are multiple warped boards from water damage, you’ll likely need to replace the entire floor.
Linoleum and Vinyl
Linoleum and vinyl is very susceptible to fire damage, so if the floor looks melted or warped, you’re better off replacing it.
Subfloor Considerations
One important thing to consider after a fire is the condition of the subfloor underneath the flooring materials. Your floor may look like it hasn’t sustained damage, but even when the restoration process begins quickly, there’s always a chance that the subfloor has been damaged by smoke or water.
If your floor has been damaged from fire, smoke, or water, Flooring Pros can help you find a flooring option to meet your needs.