Whether you’re installing hardwood floors for the first time or simply have them installed over and over again, you’ll want to be aware of the signs of bad hardwood floor installation. These signs can help you identify the potential for problems, whether it’s an improperly installed floor or something that could be hazardous to your health.
Cupping
Whenever you see a wood floor with cupped edges, it’s important to find out the cause of the problem. If the problem isn’t addressed quickly, the floor can become damaged. Fortunately, sanding can help fix this issue. But you’ll need to have the floor dry first.
Cupping can occur when the moisture content in the subfloor is higher than the moisture content in the wood. Often, this is caused by leaks in the plumbing system, wet basements, or damp crawlspaces.
The wood absorbs moisture and will attempt to match the internal moisture content to the external moisture content. This causes the wood to expand and creates gaps between the planks. If the problem isn’t solved, the wood may start to splinter. Fortunately, cupping can be repaired when it is detected early.
Buckling
Getting a hardwood floor repaired can be a costly and labor-intensive process. If you see signs of buckling, it is essential to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. There are several reasons why wood floors buckle, but there are also many things you can do to stop buckling and keep your wood floors looking beautiful.
One of the most common causes of buckling is moisture. This can come from the subfloor, leaking appliances, or improper installation. Once the moisture has reached the wood planks, they begin to expand. The process is usually limited to the width of the planks.
If your wood floor is buckled, you will notice unsightly gaps between the boards. You can use a dehumidifier or fan to dry out the excess moisture. This should help the boards return to their original position.
Dents
Having a hardwood floor is great, but it can also get scratches and dents. These dents can ruin the aesthetic of the floor.
Dents are caused by accidents such as a heavy object being dropped, or a pointy piece of furniture being dropped. If you have a hardwood floor, you want to take steps to prevent scratches and dents from appearing.
You can repair scratches and dents in hardwood floors with a few simple tools. A wooden floor repair kit can be found at your local hardware store. These kits include touch up markers that can be used to match the color of the floor.
You can also fix dents with a hot iron. This is a simple method that is not as harmful to your floor as using heavy tools. The iron will warm up the dent and align the wood fibers.
Spots of Mould or Mildew
Having spots of Mould or mildew on your wood floors can be a real problem. In addition to causing discoloration, it can also lead to structural problems. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to eliminate it.
The first step is to identify the source of the moisture. Often, this is hidden under carpets, walls, pads, ductwork, or ceiling tiles.
Identifying the source of the moisture is important because different types of mold are harmful to your health. If you have hidden mold, you should be concerned about a variety of symptoms including headaches, breathing problems, and itchy eyes.
Mold on wood surfaces can be removed with a few simple steps. You will need a spray bottle, a rag, and a hard bristle brush.
Expansion and Contraction
Whether you’re building a home or renovating your existing one, you’ll need to know how to identify the signs of bad hardwood floor installation. These are signs that your wood floor is being compromised by poor installation techniques, moisture problems, and improper use of fasteners. If left unchecked, these problems may be irreversible.
First, you should know that wood flooring expands and contracts. This is the result of the moisture content of the wood changing with the seasons. In humid weather, the wood absorbs moisture from the air, while in dry conditions, it releases moisture. If the floor is not acclimated to the surroundings, the wood may shrink, or it may expand, leading to unsightly gaps.
The best way to prevent problems like these is to install your new hardwood floor with a good ventilation system and adequate expansion space around the perimeter. If you are installing your floor in a basement, make sure it is well ventilated.