Do you know how to tell if your hardwood floors are in need of replacing? Despite being durable and a stunning visual piece in your home, even the strongest hardwood planks will need to be replaced over time. Whether you’ve been residing in your home for decades, or have acquired a new property, here are a few telltale signs you might need to consider replacing your flooring in the near future.
Water Damage
Hardwood, especially solid planking, is vulnerable to moisture. Prolonged exposure to spills, leaks, or other forms of liquid can result in visible warping, staining, and lead to the potential of mould growth if left untreated. If you spot signs of water damage, there’s a strong chance you may need to replace at least a portion of your floor, so you’ll want to have a professional evaluate the situation as soon as possible to minimize spreading.
Signs of Decay
As hardwood begins to age, it’s not uncommon for signs of decay to slowly creep in. If your floorboards seem to feel a little more bouncy or spring-like as you step, you’ve found a sure sign that you’re due for a replacement. Other common signs of decay can include buckling, cracking and peeling.
Age
While age isn’t a default indication of when your planks need to be replaced, it can be a helpful deciding factor. The older the flooring is, the more likely it is that replacing is a better option than refinishing. Why? Refinishing can be helpful to reseal younger boards and treat small chips and scratches, but over time, constant refinishing can actually lead to more strain on hardwood overall. If your flooring has been in place for multiple decades, it’s probably time to start fresh.
To Refinish or Replace
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to shy away from the idea of replacing their hardwood floors due to the perceived cost of the process. While it can be costly to lay new flooring down (depending on the materials used and amount of space to be covered), in many ways, replacement can actually be preferable to refinishing. Not only is it much faster, but fresh planks have a brand new lifespan that, with proper care, can save you money in the long term. New flooring is also a fantastic way to boost property value and refresh the whole home.
Are your floors in need of a refresh? Ashley Fine Floors can help! Contact our team today to learn more!