With great flooring comes great responsibility. Hardwood floors can last for generations if you take good care of them. The research and maintenance you put into preserving this part of your home will be worth it when you have gorgeous, gleaming floors for years to come. If you’re new to the world of hardwood flooring—or if you just want to refresh your knowledge—make sure you know your way around these most common hardwood flooring issues to watch out for in your home.
Cupping and Crowning
Water and moisture are behind some of the worst hardwood flooring problems. If you have moisture in the subfloor, let a spill seep into the wood, or even have excess humidity in your home, it can result in misshapen or damaged boards. Two common symptoms of moisture problems are cupping and crowning. Both occur when water causes the wood to expand. There’s a lot of important information to know about cupping, but in general, this problem arises when the edges of a board rise above its center. Crowning is the opposite and happens when the center of the board lifts higher than the edges. In less serious cases, the planks will right themselves once the wood dries out. Other instances might require sanding and refinishing the boards to restore them once they’re dry.
Sun Damage
Everyone loves natural light in the home. Unfortunately, that light is also the cause of one of the most common hardwood flooring issues to watch out for. UV rays from the sun can cause your floor’s color to fade over time, leading to discolored areas. How do you keep that wonderful natural light and preserve your hardwood floors? A UV-resistant finish can keep the color intact. You can also invest in window treatments like UV-blocking film or blinds that limit exposure when you’re not in the room.
Dents, Dirt, and Scratches
As durable as hardwood flooring is, accidents do happen. Dents, scratches, and damage to your finish can occur over time, especially if your home sees a lot of activity. Safeguard your floors by taking a few preventative measures, such as leaving shoes at the door or placing felt pads on furniture legs. You can also lay down rugs in areas of high traffic, like the entryway or main hallways. Finally, develop a cleaning routine. When you get rid of dirt, dust, and other mess quickly, you help preserve your floor’s finish and keep the room looking beautiful.