4 Common Hardwood Flooring Problems and Their Solutions

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is an incredible addition that elevates your home’s appearance. The natural appeal and warmth it adds to any space make this flooring option an excellent choice to complement almost any décor. However, even with the amazing benefits of hardwood flooring, there are a few common problems that can occur over time.

Hardwood flooring is made of wood which has a natural tendency to get affected by changes in temperature and humidity level. Installation errors, finishing mistakes and long-term wear and tear can also affect the performance of this exceptional flooring option.

If you have hardwood flooring at your home, then look out for these 4 common problems to ensure durable and flawless floors.

  • Cupping

Cupping occurs across the width of the planks where edges of an individual piece become higher and the centre becomes lower. It occurs when the flooring is installed over a wet basement. Lack of proper acclimation can also be a reason for cupping.

Solution: Removing the excessive moisture can help in solving this problem. Locate the source of moisture leakage(s) such as poor drainage, damp basements, poor ventilation or problem in HVAC system and verify the amount of moisture in the underlying subfloor with the help of a moisture meter. Once the excess moisture is removed, your floor will regain its original shape.

  • Buckling

Buckling happens when the wood flooring becomes separated from the subfloor due to excessive swelling in the planks. Excessive moisture and improper installation techniques such as incorrect adhesive, inadequate nailing, incorrect subfloor construction, subfloor contamination and inadequate expansion space are the real causes of buckling.

Solution: Reinstall or replace the damaged part of flooring and fix the excessive moisture condition by finding the source of moisture leakage and allowing the subfloor and floorboards to dry to normal levels before reinstalling them.

  • Scratches and Dents

Dents and scratches are unavoidable as the protective finish of the floor wears off over time. It makes the original wood vulnerable to scratches and dents.

Solution: Scratches can be avoided by following some basic hardwood floor maintenance procedures such as installing protective pads on furniture legs and avoid walking on hardwood floors while wearing high heels shoes. Another solution is to refinish the floors to recreate the protective layer on the hardwood surface.

  • Discolouration

Hardwood changes colour with time making some areas darker than the others on the floor. Exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can also be a reason for discolouration or fading of floors before their time. This makes the floor unappealing due to noticeable differences in the floor’s colour.

Solution: Block sunlight with a proper window treatment and keep your windows closed to prevent damage to your floors. If you want to allow natural light inside, then cover your hardwood floors with area rugs or furniture pieces. If they leave marks of discolouration, then move them around the room to equalize the change in colour.

Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for giving flawless and remarkable floors to your home. Since it’s made of natural wood, it has certain limitations. You can overcome these common hardwood flooring problems by applying the correct solutions. In severe cases, you will need to get your flooring replaced with a new one.

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