Flooring is one of the most common areas that sustain damage within a home since flooring is constantly bombarded with footsteps and items falling on top of it, which can result in chipping, cracking, and scratches. Quality flooring offers aesthetic appeal and is sold in various shapes, sizes, styles, and materials designed to complement the interior of a home. However, it can be a major headache when your flooring is damaged and you don’t know where to start to fix it.
According to the flooring professionals at homecarecontractors.com, your damaged flooring doesn’t have to be a nightmare because you can have brand new or refurbished floors with professional flooring restoration and repair services. When you hire a professional flooring company, they will take care of everything from the beginning, all the way to the completion of the project, taking the burden off your shoulders.
But what about those homeowners curious about what it takes to repair a damaged floor if they want to try to fix it themselves? In this article, find out some common types of floor damage and what steps you can take to fix them.
How to Fix a Floor that Squeaks A Lot
If you have wooden floors, you’ve probably heard their squeaky sounds whenever you or someone else starts walking on them. This annoying sound occurs when the wood dries out and shrinks, which leaves room for the floorboards to move.
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A practical way to fix a squeaky wooden floorboard is to use a dry lubricant solution such as talcum powder or powdered graphite and pour it between the boards to ensure it penetrates to stop the squeak.
How to Fix Popping or Loose Tiles
Another common floor problem is when your tiles start popping loose.
This may have been the error on behalf of the tile installer, who mistakenly used the wrong tile underlayment materials.
More specifically, the plywood or wood subfloor (which both flex) may cause the tiles to pop loose. The wrong thin-set or mastic adhesive might have been used and wasn’t applied properly.
To fix your popping tiles, it’s important to identify the underlying problem. If you suspect it’s due to poor adhesion, proceed to grind and chip away the existing thin set off the floor and tile and use the correct product.
If the plywood subfloor is present, it’s necessary to remove the tiles, lay down the cement board, and then install the tile again.
How to Fix Buckling Floors
Homeowners who live in humid climate regions may encounter what is called a “buckling door.” This is when a wooden floor absorbs too much moisture (as a result of a water leak or humidity conditions), causing the wood to swell. Since each wooden board is locked between other wooden boards, there is nowhere for it to go but upward to cause the floorboards to buckle against each other.
A recommended first step in handling a buckling floor problem is controlling the humidity level. Using a dehumidifier is a proven way to quickly remove moisture from the air indoors.
However, if the dehumidifier doesn’t solve your floor issue, removing the buckled flooring and replacing it with new ones may be necessary.
How to Repair a Chipped Tile
Perhaps someone dropped something heavy on your tiled floor, and now you see a noticeable crack or chip on its surface.
Not only is the damage unpleasant to look at, but it can also be a safety issue for individuals who walk barefoot in the house.
Having chipped tiles in and around the house can pose a hazard that can result in a minor cut, or worse, someone could trip and fall and get seriously injured. In this case, replacing a chipped floor tile is the only method to deal with it.
Before removing your damaged floor tile, grab a pair of dexterity work gloves and safety glasses. After you are all geared up, remove the tile carefully by chipping away at it with a hammer and masonry chisel.
Don’t forget to chip out all of the thin-set you see as well. Be sure to also save a chunk as a reference point for comparison at your local home improvement retailer.
Once you find a suitable replacement tile, use the appropriate thin-set to lay it in place for stability and durability.
How to Fix Scratched Wood Floors
Even though scratches are minor, too many scratches on your wooden floors can significantly affect their overall appearance. Scratches can come from sliding table legs, chair legs, super-energetic pet dogs, or cats. But with a DIY mindset, you can remove those scratches in a jiffy.
It depends on the scratch, but you can try to buff it out with a washcloth and some soap for light scratches. Use a wood scratch remover solution for deep scratches and apply a wooden reviver or polish.
When scratches on your wooden floors seem impossible to get out, your floor may require a deep, hard-wood finishing process that involves stripping the whole floor, sanding the affected areas, staining, and sealing the floor.
How to Fix Faded Hardwood Floors
The natural appearance of a floor can fade over time due to old age or the natural elements, such as receiving prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
For example, sunlight that enters through the windows can cause a wooden floor to lose its natural appeal over time, resulting in discoloration and cloudiness.
The perfect solution for this floor dilemma is using a wood floor restorer solution designed to bring the wood’s shine, color, and luster back to life.
How to Fix a Cracked Concrete Floor
Cracks are commonly found on concrete surfaces and especially on concrete floors, but there is no need to worry; as long as the damage is not too pervasive.
As a first step, grab a masonry chisel and start chipping the crack(s) into a V-shape. Afterward, use a concrete sealant to fill the crack and seal it off.
Also, match the sealant’s color to the existing concrete so the filler blends in nicely and evenly.
How to Deal with a Sinking Floor
A sinking floor is a flooring problem that is one of the most difficult to fix.
When a floor “sinks,” it refers to when the support frame underneath deteriorates from old age or moisture buildup.
The deterioration can be a rotting post or a weakening beam. According to flooring experts, rotted posts can be replaced with concrete lally columns, and weakened joists can be joined to new lumber to provide more strength.
In both scenarios, it is required to jack up the existing framing with a bottle jack. However, if this process seems too difficult to complete on your own, it’s best to consult with a flooring contractor with the knowledge and skill set to get the job done correctly and in the most cost-effective way possible.
Do it Yourself (DIY) vs. Hiring a Professional
If you are a homeowner tired of dealing with damaged or deteriorating flooring, you may be compelled to start a DIY flooring project. But it’s important to evaluate if you have the necessary skills and experience to fix flooring from start to finish.
The essential component of DIY projects is having experience with materials and the tools needed to complete the job. If you are inexperienced, installing or fixing your flooring will take much longer than a professional flooring contractor.
How a DIY Project Makes Sense
Minor damage, such as scratches and cracks on floor surfaces, is simple enough to fix on your own and can qualify for a DIY project.
Many homeowners say that it’s helpful to look at DIY videos from professionals and flooring experts to get a good grasp of what to expect during the whole process and how to avoid amateur mistakes. Furthermore, a DIY project is something to consider if you have a knack for fixing things and enjoy home improvement activities.
The Benefits of a Professional Flooring Contractor
It gets the most challenging for homeowners who lack the experience required to fix or replace a floor, in which case a DIY project will not be of any use. This is where hiring a professional flooring contractor will be extremely helpful as they will be able to evaluate the cost of new floors accurately and remove and fix floor surfaces.
Your contractor will also be able to provide you with a timeline of completion so you can prepare for the project and how it will impact your home.
In summary, you will benefit by hiring a professional flooring contract in several ways:
You will enjoy the benefits of:
- Efficient and Professional Installation
- Access to a variety of new floor options
- Guaranteed Work to be completed
- No effort on your part so you can relax
- Flooring Removal
- Flooring Restoration
- Access to modern tools and supplies
- Subflooring inspections
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