7 Warning Signs of Hardwood Flooring Damage You Need to Know
Hardwood flooring is common in most parts of the United States, including Maryland. Most homeowners choose hardwood flooring for aesthetic appeal. The classic material feels warm and enhances the elegance of any home. It is also easy and affordable to maintain. Despite its excellent characteristics, hardwood flooring damage can happen. Most damage is caused by negligence. You need to be proactive when it comes to maintaining your hardwood flooring.
The Importance of Looking Out for Warning Signs
If you want to preserve your flooring, you’ll need to always be on the lookout for the warning signs of damage in order to keep it from becoming a bigger problem.
In Maryland and other parts of the mid-Atlantic region, moisture and humidity are the major problems associated with hardwood flooring. But these issues are controllable.
Finding warning signs of hardwood flooring damage early will help to prevent further damages. The cost of fixing flooring problems early is always significantly lower than the cost of fixing issues that have lingered.
Missing or neglecting the signs of damage can cause a hardwood floor to need refinishing or recoating several years before the end of its expected lifespan. This is an economic loss no homeowner should have to incur.
Top 7 Warning Signs of Hardwood Flooring Damage
Are you eager to protect your hardwood floor and prolong its lifespan? Here are five common signs of damage to watch out for:
1. Cupping
Cupping is when individual boards of your hardwood flooring begin to push out around the edges. It usually results from excessive swelling due to moisture absorption. The edges will eventually become higher than the center, creating an undesirable wavy appearance.
2. Crowning
Crowning is another hardwood problem caused by moisture. It is similar to cupping in all aspects, except that the individual boards are higher at the center. It usually occurs when the hardwood board absorbs more moisture at the center.
3. Buckling, Warping, and Gaps
The primary cause of buckling, warping and related problems in hardwood flooring is humidity. Another primary cause is the failure to acclimate the hardwood boards to their new environment before installation. Differences in humidity can make newly installed hardwood floors either swell or shrink and separate, causing buckling and warping or gaps.
4. Uncommon Noise
Noise in hardwood flooring is normal, but constant squeaking can be a warning sign of damage to the subfloor. Responding in time will save your entire wooden floor, preventing the need for a total overhaul.
5. Strange Odors
Moisture and humidity encourage bacteria and mold growth in different parts of your home, including your hardwood flooring. Microbial growth often causes a musty smell. Once you notice an unusual smell from the floor, check for moisture damage.
6. Discoloration of Flooring Finishes
Excess moisture will also lead to discoloration of the hardwood floor. Any noticeable discoloration, no matter how minimal, should be taken seriously.
7. Pest Infestation
Pests like termites live in moist woods and can speed up the damage. The presence of pests in your flooring should be a wake-up call. Delays in addressing this issue can be costly.
Address Hardwood Flooring Damage Signs Early
Noticing the warning signs of hardwood flooring damage in time can help you prolong the lifespan of your floor. It will also help you avoid costly repairs. Always look for the seven signs above.
Do you need more information or help with the installation and maintenance of hardwood flooring in Maryland? Elite Hardwood Flooring can help. Get in touch with us today.
