FLOORING NIGHTMARE

Within only six weeks of moving into our new home, we noticed that the hardwood floor in the kitchen was beginning to buckle near the refrigerator. We also noticed that the joints were beginning to show stains where the boards were connected end-to-end.  It became apparent that we had a leak.

I pulled the refrigerator from the wall and noticed that the hose to the ice maker was dripping.  My heart sunk.  I easily fixed the leak with the turn of a wrench, but the damage was already done.

After several phone calls, we were given the impression that our homeowners insurance might not cover this particular kind of damage.  As it turned out, however, our policy will cover this damage. We will be housed in a hotel for the three or four weeks required to tear out the old floor, remove the cabinets, and put it all back together again.

Water damage to our kitchen floor is shown by stained joints and buckling boards.

The damage is most visible near the refrigerator, where the leak occurred.  The yardstick resting on the highest part of the ridging shows the extent of the damage.  Within 3 to 4 weeks, it will all be repaired.