Is It Time for Hardwood Floor Replacement? Signs to Look For
Hardwood flooring offers limitless style possibilities and adds timeless beauty to the home. In addition, the flooring material is low maintenance, boosts air quality, is durable, and can add value to your property.
However, the hardwood floor is not indestructible and may eventually need replacement. You should know when to replace your hardwood floor to save yourself from costly repairs and maintain your home's integrity. Discover some signs that your hardwood floor needs replacement.
The Floor Feels Spongy
Hardwood flooring normally feels solid underfoot. If the floor begins to feel spongy, the issue could signify that the boards are starting to deteriorate and need replacement. Sponginess can also indicate water damage, which may have occurred from flooding or water leakage. In either case, repair may not be the best solution, and floor replacement may be the best option.
The Floor Color Is Dull
Among the benefits of hardwood floors is aesthetics. The shine adds elegance and warmth to the room. Conversely, a dull floor can indicate that its finish is starting to degrade or the floor has been exposed to direct sunlight for a long period. Refinish, or staining may rectify this issue, but if the floor is too heavily worn, then replacement may be necessary.
The Floor Has Scratches and Dents
Normal wear and tear of hardwood floors will leave some scratches and dents on the surface, but an excessive number indicates that your hardwood flooring has taken a beating.
Deep gouges from pets or furniture being moved around too much can cause damage to the wood's structural integrity, requiring full replacement of the floor.
The Planks Are Warped
Warping mostly happens due to temperature shifts and moisture changes. For example, if the flooring isn't sealed properly, this can cause water to seep in and warp the planks, leading to buckling and cupping. Warping indicates that the floor has been exposed to too much humidity or moisture, necessitating the complete replacement of boards.
The Floor Has Mold
Mold growth is a sign of excessive moisture in your hardwood floors. Mold spores develop in a humid environment, so you need to address the issue as soon as possible by cleaning the affected areas and replacing damaged boards. Sometimes, entire sections may need replacement when mold damage is severe enough.
The Floor Has Visible Nails
As the floor ages, the nails securing the planks can become more visible. This damage is common in high-traffic spaces, such as the kitchen or living room. And while a few poking nails may not be a major issue, if most nails are visible, you need to replace the floor. Again, repairing may seem like the better option, but you may end up causing more damage or spending more money on repairs.
The Floor Is Outdated
As time changes, so does your home décor. For example, your hardwood floor may have once been your favorite, but it may not complement the overall look of your house anymore.
You will always find a new design that looks better than a previous one. And if you are forcing yourself to live with outdated hardwood flooring, then complete replacement may be the only way to update your interiors and infuse a fresh look into your space.
While repairs are a great way to extend the life of your hardwood floors, a time comes when refinishing may no longer be an option. Refinish can help repair minor damages and make the floor look new again, but replacing the boards is a better solution if your hardwood floor is heavily damaged.
You can trust us at B & D Hardwood Floors for a complete hardwood floor replacement. We have extensive experience in providing quality hardwood flooring services. In addition, we are equipped with the latest and most advanced tools to ensure your floors are installed quickly, affordably, and perfectly. Contact us for a consultation and a quote.
