Hardwood floors can last a lifetime. But, if not properly cared for, over time, they can start to show some real wear and tear. To understand the problems that you may face with hardwood floors, here is our guide to the causes and solutions to common hardwood flooring problems.
Moisture is the cause of most hardwood flooring problems.
Moisture Damage to Hardwood Floors
Moisture and water damage cause almost all serious problems with hardwood floors. Wood is a living breathing organism, and it will be affected by the elements. Although they are tough and durable, high moisture content or water damage can cause some serious issues like cupping, gapping, and warping.
Cupping Hardwood Floors
When a hardwood floor begins to cup it will start to bulge at the edges. Cupping comes from the sides being raised and the center of the board sinking downward creating a cup-like effect. In most cases, this will happen if the moisture levels in the home aren’t adequately maintained. Most likely, moisture will be coming from underneath, like an improperly ventilated basement.
Treating Cupped Floors
The first step to addressing cupping hardwood floors is to regulate the moisture levels in your home. Once you have done that, you have to wait for the wood to return to normal slowly. Once the floors have straightened out, you may need to sand and refinish to bring them back to their original glory.
Warped Hardwood Floors
If your floors are warped, it is a sign that you are having some serious moisture issues in your home. More so than just irregular moisture levels, such as a serious water leak or broken pipe that is causing the wood to fill with excess water. The first thing is to locate the moisture problem and fix it. After that, talk to a professional about the best way to go about fixing your warped hardwood floors.
Properly acclimating hardwood floors, as well as, keeping a consistent indoor air quality is key to protecting your hardwood floors.
Gaps in Hardwood Floors
A sign of a quality hardwood installation expert is allowing for the wood to acclimate to your home before installing. All hardwood floors will expand and contract a little. But, the more acclimated the wood, and the more regulated your indoor climate is, the less movement you’ll see in them.
For dryer seasons, expect your floors to contract a little, causing small gaps. And, in more moist seasons, they may expand again, closing the gaps.
Hardwood Flooring Contractors in Denver
If you have questions about your hardwood floors, schedule a free consultation with a hardwood flooring expert. Our hardwood flooring craftsmen will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best solution for your hardwood flooring problems.