Will Wet Carpet Damage the Parquet Floor Underneath?

E asked: A toilet flooded into a room that is carpeted with old parquet underneath. The carpet isn’t glued to the parquet, so I raised it and placed items underneath to allow air to circulate under it and over the floor. I mopped up all the water I possibly could. Now, the floor appears to be mostly dry, but there are areas where the wet carpet is still touching it. Will there be any damage to the floor? I don’t know what sort of material is underneath the parquet. I’m worried because I rent this place.

Parquet is made of wood, and when wood floors get wet, they can become damaged. There are two major concerns in this situation: warping and mold. While there is a coating on the flooring, it cannot withstand large amounts of water. After mopping up excess water, bring in fans and dehumidifiers to help remove the moisture quickly. Moving air will dry the surfaces faster. Once the surface is dry, continue to run the fans and expose the floor to open air to allow any water that has soaked into the cracks to evaporate. While there may not be enough water to swell and warp the wood, there is enough moisture for mold to grow. If you cover the flooring with the carpet too soon, it provides the perfect dark, damp conditions for mold and mildew. If the carpet is not glued down and can be removed from the house completely, that would be the best plan. Take it outside for a day or two and keep the fans going inside. This will give the floor a chance to dry and the carpet can be brought back in once it’s dry. If the floor shows no damage, it will not likely warp or swell after the moisture is removed. However, always keep an eye out for mold and mildew growth. This will appear as black spots and growth in the cracks between the flooring pieces. Treat any mold immediately with a mild bleach and water solution.