Hardwood floors are tough, but they aren’t invincible. Wisconsin’s harsh weather conditions can cause damage to your floors that may call for replacing. And the high cost of installing hardwood floors can put a damper on improving your home.
From water damage to discoloration, here are the signs that call for getting your hardwood floors replaced.
Common Signs of Damage
Long-time Wear and Tear
We’ve all walked through the house with our dirty shoes and boots on before, probably thinking nothing of it. The problem is, those walks may have caused damage to the floor.
Shoes and boots can cause physical damage that ruins the appearance of your hardwood floor. Moving furniture also causes scratches and scuffs, and it can put holes in your floor that ruin the integrity of your floor. The common solution for small scratches is sanding and refinishing, however, scratches that are deeper than 1/8″ call for a replacement. Small holes can be fixed with a filler, but large holes call for replacing your floorboard.
Learn more by reading Hardwood Scratch Repair: A Guide for Homeowners.
Water Damage
Leaking water in your home is never a good sign. My Home Advisor lists broken/leaking pipes and groundwater as the two most common causes of water damage to your hardwood floors. When your hardwood floor absorbs water, it can cause a number of problems. If your floors are discolored or appear wet, there’s a good chance that water’s seeping into your floor. The solution for water damaged floors are to either refinish or replace, but you should call on a professional to get the job done right!
Learn more about our Milwaukee area floor repair services here.
Seasonal Damage
Wisconsin’s fluctuating climate may have you turning the heat up one day and opening your windows the next. Unfortunately, sporadic temperature changes can affect your hardwood floors. According to a blog post by Wagner Meters, high humidity levels can cause hardwood floors to absorb more moisture. The moisture trapped causes gaps in the flooring.
When you look at your floors, look for gaps. Large gaps in your flooring may mean it’s time for a repair.
Cupping
Another side effect of water absorption in hardwood floors is cupping. Cupping happens when the middle of the floorboards sink in, causing the edges to rise up. According to Wagner Meters, this can happen due to an imbalance of humidity or when your floor absorbs an excessive amount of moisture.
Remember that cupping isn’t always bad, however. Floorboards naturally warp due to changes in humidity, and the boards can regain normal shape once humidity levels return to normal.
Repair or Replace: What Should I Do?
Scratches, holes, and wet floors are signs of damage that ruin the appearance and stability of your floor. While something as small as a scratch can be a quick fix, it’s important to consult a professional.
For consultation on all your flooring needs, turn to My Affordable Flooring. You can trust us to restore your floors for a reasonable price. Contact us today for a free quote!
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