Tips for Repairing Hardwood Flooring
If you have minor damage occur on your hardwood flooring, there are some quick and easy ways to fix the flaw. Use the following tips to learn how to handle some of the most common problems with your hardwood floors. This will help you keep them looking beautiful and new for even longer.
Cracked or Split Wood
As time passes, you may notice that small cracks or splits begin to appear on the surface area of the floor. The small areas can be repaired by using angled nails that will hold the pieces of wood together. Once the problem is resolved you can use wood putty in order camouflage the remaining cosmetic issues. If the cracks are larger, however, you may have to refinish the floor or replace the entire damaged plank.
Gaps Between the Planks
This is a common problem with almost all types of hardwood flooring including wood flooring for bathrooms. Gaps occur due to Mother Nature. For example, it will shrink in dry weather and expand in wet or humid weather. This contraction and expansion causes the gaps that are present and the primary reason that they are typically present during specific seasons during the year. If the gaps are smaller than a dimes thickness, you should be patient, as this is normal. If the gaps become larger than this, however, you may need to seek the help of a professional individual to tighten the flooring and reduce the size of the gaps that are present.
Buckling Flooring
Buckling occurs when your hardwood flooring detaches and lift upward off of the subfloor and warp. If this occurs you need to discover the underlying issue of the warping. Once you have identified the you can take steps to remedy the problem and then reattach the hardwood flooring.
Cupped Flooring
Cupped floors, or washboarding, occur when the edges of the planks of your floor begin to “curl” upward and the center of the plank begins to sinks down. This is typically a sign of a moisture imbalance. This imbalance occurs due to the fact that there is a larger amount of water beneath the plank than on the surface. The only way to fix this is to ensure you balance the humidity in the building and allow the surface of the plank to return to normal. Once this happens you will likely have to have the flooring refinished.
Warped Flooring
A warped or sagging floor is a sign of serious problems with moisture. In most cases, if your hardwood floors become warped, there was something done incorrectly when the floors were installed. The issue may also be due to a moisture problem within the home, as well, which is why it is important to determine the underlying cause.
Besides the major problems that are highlighted here, you may occasionally find that your hardwood floor is scratched or loose. These are easy fixes that can typically be done by any do-it-yourself homeowner. If you are ever unsure of what to do, however, you should call a professional to ensure that your flooring is repaired properly. Taking proper care of your floor will insure its longevity and provide you a beautiful and elegant space for years to come. For more information about hardwood flooring visit indigofloors.co.uk.
