You’ve diligently maintained your hardwood floors for years, but the last cleaning revealed a loss of luster. Water stains near appliances, dull patches, and discoloration in high-traffic areas are significant issues you’ve noticed. Rest assured that these problems are well within the capabilities of a wood floor restoration company.
If you have wood floors in your home, watch for these common issues that may require wood floor restoration.
Some are more noticeable than others, but all require attention sooner than later.
Scratches, Dents, and Dings
One of the most common problems with your hardwood floors is damage from scratches, dents, and dings. Scratches may be superficial damage that you find on the surface of your wood flooring, dents and dings penetrate deeper than the surface and are ingrained in the wood.
One of the most common ways to scratch hardwood floors is by moving heavy objects, such as furniture, across the floor without lifting them or using protective pads.
Your pets may have also clawed at the hardwood and caused scratches. Dents and dings may occur when you accidentally drop something heavy on the floor, leaving an impression on the wood.
Cupping and Crowning
Another issue you may face with your hardwood floors is two phenomena known as cupping or crowning. Both types of damage are similar as they deal with hardwood bowing due to consistent moisture exposure.
If the bowing of the hardwood planks bends upward, it is known as cupping. If it curves downward, it is known as crowning. Although this can happen anywhere on the floor, it tends to be more common where appliances or fixtures, such as sinks, are located.
Since these areas may be exposed to consistent water flow, it is possible to see cupping or crowning in the hardwood near these objects.
Stains
Stains are another common problem with hardwood floors. Some stains may result from water on the floor over a period, causing rings and other unsightly water rings. The water that forms may come from appliances, dripping pipes, or moisture from the outdoors caused by foot traffic.
Another possible origin of stains is food or drinks spilled on the surface that aren’t cleaned up quickly after the spill. Such stains may cause discoloration to the wood, particularly if the food or beverages have strong pigmentation.
One more possible source of stains is from pets that leave urine or excrement in an area on the floor. If these messes aren’t cleaned immediately, they can leave unattractive stains on the wood floors.
Discoloration
Hardwood may experience discoloration in a few ways. One may be from consistent foot traffic in a particular floor area. For instance, if you have a mudroom or a foyer, that portion of the wood floors may be slightly lighter or darker than other areas in your home.
Another form of discoloration may come from hardwood oxidation, in which the sun shining on specific parts of your floor may change the color of your hardwood in that area.
Squeaking
Squeaking may not necessarily be a significant problem in and of itself. However, it may indicate a loose floorboard, which could be a trip hazard. Whether the squeak is a noisy nuisance or a trip hazard, a floor restoration company can eliminate this issue.
What to Expect with Hardwood Floor Restoration Services
Wood floor restoration companies will use a combination of methods to fix problems with your hardwood floors and restore them to their original beauty.
According to the National Wood Flooring Association, “A complete sand and refinish is recommended when there is damage to the wood floor like deep scratches, dents, and other flooring damage.”
This tactic of refinishing hardwood floors will also work for some deeply engrained stains.
Wood planks damaged by cupping, crowning, or other types of issues may require replacing the section damaged by moisture. A hardwood floor company that provides wood floor services will try to solve the moisture issue. Then, they will choose a similar wood type and grain, sand, and stain it to match the surrounding wood. Squeaky floors are typically caused by space between the subfloor and the joist, which requires shims or construction adhesive to minimize the noise.
If there are any gaps between floorboards, a wood floor expert may add wood filler to eliminate the void. If the damages to your existing floor are too extensive and costly, they may suggest that you replace your hardwood floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid these types of problems with my hardwood floors?
If you want to avoid scratches and dings, it is a good idea to prevent dragging furniture or other items across the floor. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing high heels in the house as this could cause dings in your hardwood. If you have pets, trim their nails to keep them from scratching the floors.
To minimize cupping, crowning, or other gaps, it’s best to keep your home at a consistent temperature since temperature extremes may cause expansion and contraction of the wood.
It’s also a good practice to check areas around the sink, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other appliances to ensure no leaks. To minimize hardwood oxidation, which causes discoloration, it may be a good idea to use darker curtains or ones designed to keep sunlight out.
Can a wood floor restoration company replace my hardwood floors?
If you need a complete replacement, you should work with a company that provides hardwood flooring services to include wood floor installation. Most hardwood flooring companies provide services for installation as well as restoration and refinishing.
Are you tired of watching your hardwood floors deteriorate year after year? Cameron the Sandman is a Michigan hardwood flooring company that provides impeccable restoration, refinishing and installation services. We’ve been in business for more than eighty years with a commitment to providing the best wood floor services around. All things wood flooring is our specialty so call and speak to an expert today!