Wooden floors are the ultimate trademark of class, warmth, and grace, but eventually, they could develop wear and tear symptoms. From scratches and dullness to discoloration, there are some signs that it's time to refinish your wood floors. In this article, we will examine the five main indicators that a wood floor must be refinished, the reasons why it is essential, the benefits you can get from it, and the decision between DIY or hiring professional services.
Before we discuss the signs that indicate the need for wood floor refinishing, it is important to understand why it is necessary to do this regularly.
Wood floor refinishing is a step-up process that includes sanding down the top layer of your wood floors to get rid of scratches, dents, and other issues. This process also includes applying a fresh finish to coat it and prevent the wood from being damaged.
As time passes, you see your wood floor gradually losing its glow, developing scratches, dents, and other kinds of blemishes due to foot traffic, furniture movement, and everyday wear and tear. Besides the fact that refurbishment of your wood floors enhances their appearance, it also adds to the lifespan of the floors, saving you money in the end.
It is important to recognize these signs immediately so that you can implement the precautionary procedures meant to protect the attractive look and condition of your wooden floor.
Scratches, dents, and gouges are regular parts of the typical wear and tear on wood floors. Over time, footprints, furniture, and pets can cause imperfections to build up, thus removing the elegance that once existed on those floors. If your wood floors already have a number of scratches or dents, it`s worth noting that they must be refinished.
An attempt to refinish wood floors will not only restore the smooth and uniform surface but also repair the defects of the floor. It is the procedure that involves grinding down the top layer of wood to get rid of the damage and, afterward, applying a new finishing layer to protect the wood and improve its visual appearance.
Of the many issues, discoloration and fading are among the most noticeable ones, and they are typically found in light areas that get a lot of sun. Wood exposed to sunlight will discolor over time, making some portions look dull and less uniform. Additionally, sunlight, moisture, or humidity can be another cause for discoloration, making the wood darker or causing stains to appear.
Signs of substantial fading or discoloration of your wood floor may indicate that it needs to be refinished. Refinishing will not only restore the wood's natural color but also prevent it from artificial damage from sunlight, moisture, and humidity.
Often, one thing that you might notice is that your floors seem dull or lackluster in appearance. Slowly, as people walk over them with shoes on or dirt accumulating on them, the wood finish starts to wear off, and the floor loses its glossy shine. If, as a result, your wood floors have been stripped of their shine and no cleaner is able to bring them back, it's necessary to have the floors refinished.
By refinishing your wood floors, you not only bring back the shine but also safeguard the flooring against damage in the future. The new finish will provide a shielding layer that will protect the wood from scratching, staining, and other signs of wear, making your floors look great for many years.
The wood floor may show twisting and distortion, commonly known as warping and cupping, which may become an issue in places that are exposed to moisture or humidity. Warping happens when the wood imbibes moisture from the environment and expands, resulting in curved or bent boards. Cupping happens when the edges are higher than the center, causing the substrate to have a curved shape.
But likewise, if you observe the floor of your wood is warped or cupped, you'd better deal with this promptly. With refinishing, uneven wood can be sanded down to smooth it, whereas a new finish is applied to ensure the wood is not damaged further.
Water damage is one of the most catastrophic events that may happen to wood flooring. No matter the source of the water - the leaky roof, the burst pipe, the glass of water spilled - timely action needs to be taken to avoid the wood floor being damaged by water. The main signs of water damage are warping, cupping, staining, and mold growth.
Water damage from wood floors should not be ignored. Such a problem should be treated immediately to prevent the progression of the concern. Staining can help in the repair by sanding down the affected area, removing the discoloration and stains, and applying a new finish to help protect the wood from future damage.
Besides the apparent visual effects, wood floor refinishing brings about far more than just that. Here are some key advantages:
Though some of the homeowners could appear to be very sure of themselves and be able to tackle the project on their own, they still have to be warned of the potential risks and difficulties. The wrong sanding method, improper preparation steps, or incorrect application of finishes can result in below-standard outcomes or even worsen the state of your floors. That's why it's highly recommended that you enlist the services of a professional wood floor refinishing company like Feet Up Carpet Cleaning of Towson.
Having a technician who is well-qualified and has a good understanding of the process and the necessary tools is a guarantee of the quality of the paint job. From a floor condition analysis to the application of the correct techniques and finishes, we follow an inclusive method to ensure outstanding results. With a service provider, you can have the certainty that you will have good quality wood floors because professionals handle them, and the job will be done impeccably.
Hardwood floors are an outstanding and expensive home attribute; however, if they are not properly cared for, they can lose their shine or even stop working sometimes. By identifying the five tips provided in this article - scratches, dings, and gouges; discoloration or fading; dullness or loss of shine; warping or cupping; or water damage - you will be able to take the necessary actions to protect your investment. Don't let your wood floors deteriorate; contact Feet Up Carpet Cleaning of Towson today to book an appointment. Let us revive your hardwood flooring by polishing it.
