10 Common Wood Flooring Issues & How to Prevent Them

One of hardwood flooring’s key attributes is its remarkable durability. With the proper installation, premium materials, and diligent maintenance, hardwood floors can last for centuries. To maximize the lifespan of your wood flooring, it’s crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls that could harm your floors. At Elegant Floor Service in Silver Spring, MD, our team wants to help you understand the ten most common wood flooring problems and how to prevent them.

A basement that begins to filter water from the wall to the ground

Common Issues with Hardwood Floors

Dents and Scratches

Dents and scratches are often caused by objects falling on or being pulled across the flooring. While touch-up markers and wood fillers can improve the look, severe damages require professional help. It’s essential to be careful with heavy objects that can damage your flooring.

Cupping

Wood flooring often experiences a common issue known as cupping. This happens when the wood absorbs too much moisture that is unevenly distributed throughout the plank. The result is a wooden plank that is no longer flat, displaying raised edges in relation to the plank’s center, creating a concave appearance from a top-down view. This is usually due to the wood’s absorption of moisture from the subfloor or another surface.

Changes in Color

Most changes in color occur in wood due to staining or excessive sunlight. If your wood floors are faded, it’s typically due to photosensitivity. Pet accidents or high-acidity spills typically cause stains. We can assess the color change to determine the best treatment.

Crowning

As a natural material, wood reacts to environmental conditions even after installation. If the floorboards absorb humidity from the air or moisture from the subfloor, they may swell and push against each other, causing the board’s centers to rise or ‘crown’. It’s essential to determine the moisture issue before repairing the boards.

Buckling

Buckling is a more serious form of damage in which the floor panels start separating from the underlying layer. It can be caused by an overflow or significant leaks that leave pooled water on the flooring. Insufficient expansion joints on the floor can also cause buckling, preventing necessary adjustments due to moisture alterations.

Water Damage

Water stains and warped wood are significant signs of water damage. You may have water damage if your flooring is near damp areas or experiences spills frequently. We recommend using a dehumidifier in damp areas, wiping up spills quickly, and addressing any leaks immediately.

Gaps

Floorboard separation, or gapping, can occur when moisture is reduced in wooden floors, leading the boards to contract and create space. This issue is commonly seen in high moisture or humidity conditions, as these conditions tend to infuse the boards with moisture, leading to possible contraction when the environment becomes dry. Due to seasonal movement, all floors are expected to be separated, especially solid planks.

Squeaking

Faulty installation or inadequate subfloors can lead to the floorboards becoming loose or making noise after a few weeks from installation. It’s important to ensure your subflooring is securely attached and doesn’t squeak. A squeaky subfloor usually results in a squeaky wood floor.

Peeling

Peeling is a common problem caused by improperly finishing the flooring. It often doesn’t happen when the flooring is first installed. Ensuring the finish is correctly applied without excessive stain residue is vital.

Cracks

Breakages, also known as cracks in a completed plank, typically happen during the installation process, although they could also arise due to flaws in the board itself. Severe cracks might require a total replacement of the affected plank.

Ways to Avoid Issues with Hardwood Floors

Wooden flooring is durable and beautiful but demands careful consideration and care. Elegant Floor Services can help you stay ahead of hardwood floor problems. Some of the best ways to avoid problems with your hardwood floors include:

• Measure Moisture Content – Moisture levels in the underfloor can impact the stability of wooden floors. Ensure moisture tests are conducted before laying the flooring.
• Acclimate Wood Flooring Before Installation – Wood flooring should always be acclimated to its surroundings prior to being laid to avoid deformation or buckling.
• Check Subfloor Conditions – Misguided installation methodologies can result in gaps, irregular surfaces, or even harm the floor. Trust our team for high-quality flooring installation services.
• Watch Water Exposure – Water is the enemy of wooden floors. Immediately clean any spills and avoid overuse of water during cleaning.
• Measure Humidity Levels – Variations in humidity can cause wooden floors to expand or contract, resulting in gaps or buckling. Ensure humidity levels in the house stay constant.
• Evaluate Sun Exposure – Direct sunlight can fade wooden floors over the years. To lessen sun-related damage, utilize window shades or UV-resistant films.

Contact Elegant Floor Services

Wooden floors are a beautiful investment for your property. Elegant Floor Services will help your wood flooring stay in optimal condition with maintenance services. We’re here for you if you’re experiencing any wood flooring problems. Tackling these common issues head-on will help you maintain the integrity and beauty of your wood flooring for years to come. Contact us today for solid wood flooring services.