Floors are one of the most frequently used parts of your home. It is no surprise that floor repair is often required due to this frequent use or do to water damage, dropping a heavy item, or other accident. Is your floor repair something you can handle yourself, or should you call an expert? In this post, we help to assess your situation to make the best decision.
DIY floor Repair
Minor scuffs and scratches can generally be taken care of yourself. For hardwood floors, smooth sandpaper can be used to remove the finish on a small area of the floor and that area can be refinished with the same wax stain that you originally applied. It’s a good idea to work in layers, applying a light coat and letting it dry completely before assessing whether another coat is needed. Working this way will ensure that you get a seamless repair.
Removing and replacing the finish of an area of hardwood floor can also work for small dents if the dent is shallow enough.
When should I trust an expert with my floor repair?
For more serious scratches and dents, refer to a professional. You’ll also need a professional to repair buckling, swelling, and cracked floors. Buckling can occur if a floor was improperly installed so that the floor does not have enough space to allow for the natural expansion and contraction that occurs with temperature variations. Buckling can also occur if a room is exposed to extreme changes in temperature and on older floors. Water exposure can cause damage if it’s repeated enough or if water is left on the floor for a significant amount of time. The moisture will cause the floor to swell and warp. The only solution is to replace that area of floor or to install new flooring. Finally, cracks in flooring can occur with age or if a heavy and/or sharp object is dropped on the floor. For wood floors, a tiny split can grow over time. In this case, a professional may be able to hide the split with a covered nail. For other cases, replacement of an area or an entire floor may be needed.
A professional flooring contractor will be able to assess your flooring damage and recommend the best course of action. At the Floor Store, we have flooring professionals on site to discuss your individual needs and to make recommendations for keeping your floors in the best shape possible. There are preventative measures you can take to reduce damage such as laying area rugs in high traffic areas and properly maintaining the floor to reduce long-term exposure to moisture and abrasive particulate matter.