5 Hardwood Flooring Problems & How to Prevent Them

Mar 28, 2018

Hardwood floors are both charming and durable, but this does not mean that you will not encounter any problems. There are certain problems that are more common than others and you need to know what they are. The following blog will go through the more common problems that your hardwood flooring may face and tips on how to prevent them from happening in the future.

Abnormal Gaps

Gaps in your hardwood floor are not always bad, but when they are large and irregular you will have a problem. These gaps will generally occur during the winter months when the air in the house is drier and the humidity of summer is gone. There is no way to completely prevent these gaps from forming, but using a humidifier could solve your problem in the winter months.

Cupping

Cupping occurs when the bottom of the hardwood board is wetter than the top. This is a problem that is seen more often in hardwood floors that use wide planks and are installed in basements. To prevent cupping you can try a thinner plank, but you can also ensure that the installation is done correctly. Using a good installer will ensure that they do not place the planks on floors that have moisture in them. Here are some tips on quick maintenance for your hardwood floors that will keep them healthy and long lasting!

Peeling Finish

If the finish on your floor is peeling, this could be due to floor contamination or improper floor preparation. Excessive sanding of the planks could create a surface which is too smooth for the finish to adhere to. The best way to prevent any problems with the finish is to purchase hardwood flooring which has been prefinished in the factory as this will come with a longer warranty and often a guarantee against peeling.

Stains

A lot of people think that hardwood floors are stain resistant, but this is not true. There are two types of stains that affect these floors and they are stains on the finish and stains in the finish. Stains in the finish can be prevented by getting prefinished wood planks and stains on the finish can be prevented by quickly cleaning any spills on the floor.

Fractures

Fractures in the floor are most commonly seen when using prefinished wood planks because these planks are more prone to damage from flooring nailers. Manufacturers now make adaptors for nailers to prevent this, but it is still a common problem. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use a qualified installer who uses the correct tools on your floor.

Prevention is always essential – but if you are looking to replace or repair your floors, you can trust the experts at Milton Hardwood Floors to provide you with the longest lasting and most durable hardwood flooring. We even offer installation across our surrounding installation service area. We carry various types of hardwood flooring options you can choose from, including vintage and superior hardwood floors. Give us a call toll-free at 1-866-414-0022, visit us at 53 Steeles Ave East in Milton or browse our selection online at miltonhardwood.com!