Floor Repair Tips
When you walk into a new home, the first thing you notice is probably the walls—the colors, patterns, and little add-ons that give the home its character. But often, what really sets the tone for home design is the flooring. A wood floor creates a different look from, say, a concrete floor or a tile floor. And when your floors get damaged, it takes all the attention away from the rest of your décor, no matter how grand it is.
That’s why every homeowner should learn how to maintain their floors and do basic repairs. After all, good flooring is no small investment—why not take the extra step and make it worth your money? Professional repairs can be expensive, and you can save thousands of dollars if you can do the work yourself. Here are some basic floor repair tips to help you keep your floors looking new.
Squeaky floors
Wood floors are nice to look at, but they’re more prone to problems than other flooring materials. Over time, wood floors get weaker from everyday wear and tear, even if it’s well-maintained. The first problem to arise is usually a squeaky floorboard. This occurs when the joists, or the sub-floor timber, become loose and cause part of the floorboard to sag. Fortunately, anyone can learn how to fix squeaky floors without professional help.
Squeaks on old floors are easier to fix—most of them just need to be tightened or reinforced at the joists. However, if there are signs of decay or infestation, you may want to call in a professional to make sure it hasn’t spread. Newer floors are usually made in the tongue and groove style, which makes them more complicated. It’s best if you can get underneath the floorboards and access the bad board directly; otherwise, you’ll need to feel around and work in a tight space.
Damaged floorboards
Another common problem with hardwood floors is damaged floorboards. This usually occurs in high-traffic areas where the boards are more abused and worn out. Unfortunately, it’s seldom practical to do spot repairs on hardwood. Replacing the entire floorboard is usually the safest route to repairing a hardwood floor. It keeps the damage from spreading further, sparing the other floorboards and saving you a good deal of time.
Make sure to get the same type of timber and board size to replace the damaged board. Otherwise, you’ll get an awkward-looking join at the site of the repair. Before fitting in the new board, clear the area of dust and debris—they can make the surface uneven and create unattractive gaps on your floor. If there are any gaps, use wood-colored filler to even them out.
Dull or scratched floors
All wooden floors will need refinishing at some point. The boards come with a clear coating that protects the wood itself, but over time, this coat wears out and leaves the wood bare. Once you start seeing signs of wear, don’t wait for all the coating to wear off—you should reapply the finish before the original wood suffers permanent damage. Your local dealer can show you how to refinish wood floors on your own.
The easiest way to refinish is to sand off the original lacquer and apply a fresh coat. If you’re not up to the work, you can consider chemical refinishing, or applying a special finish to the wood without having to sand. Before using this method, make sure to ask your dealer about it. Not all floors are made for this kind of finish, and using the wrong kind can void your flooring warranty.
Cracked concrete
Concrete is known for its durability, but it has its weaknesses just like any other floor. Because it’s porous, it tends to stain easily and eventually becomes prone to cracks. To avoid this, manufacturers usually apply a clear coating, such as urethane, which forms a barrier over the floor to protect it from the elements. Just reapply the coat once in a while to make sure the floors stay protected, especially in busy and humid areas.
When concrete cracks, repair methods depend on the depth and extent of the damage. Most shallow cracks can simply be filled in, but deeper ones may need some reconstruction. It also depends on where the floor is located, and the quality of the sub-floor it is installed on.
A note on warranty
All floors sold in the U.S. come with an Implied Warranty, whether or not your dealer mentions it. This is an unwritten warranty that requires all products to be fit for their purpose and perform the way they are generally expected to. If your floors give in despite good maintenance, you can always go to your dealer and request a replacement or repairs.
It’s also worth looking into your manufacturers flooring warranty when it comes to installation. If you’re having your floors professionally installed, make sure the workers are qualified to do it. Ask them about their insurance policies; that is, who will handle the costs in case something goes wrong during or after the installation.
warranty.
Cracked concrete
Concrete is known for its durability, but it has its weaknesses just like any other floor. Because it’s porous, it tends to stain easily and eventually becomes prone to cracks. To avoid this, manufacturers usually apply a clear coating, such as urethane, which forms a barrier over the floor to protect it from the elements. Just reapply the coat once in a while to make sure the floors stay protected, especially in busy and humid areas.
When concrete cracks, repair methods depend on the depth and extent of the damage. Most shallow cracks can simply be filled in, but deeper ones may need some reconstruction. It also depends on where the floor is located, and the quality of the sub-floor it is installed on.
A note on warranty
All floors sold in the U.S. come with an Implied Warranty, whether or not your dealer mentions it. This is an unwritten warranty that requires all products to be fit for their purpose and perform the way they are generally expected to. If your floors give in despite good maintenance, you can always go to your dealer and request a replacement or repairs.
It’s also worth looking into your manufacturers flooring warranty when it comes to installation. If you’re having your floors professionally installed, make sure the workers are qualified to do it. Ask them about their insurance policies; that is, who will handle the costs in case something goes wrong during or after the installation.
Tags: manufacturers flooring warranty | manufacturers flooring warranty | how to refinish wood floors | how to refinish wood floors | repairing a hardwood floor | repairing a hardwood floor | how to fix squeaky floors | how to fix squeaky floors