Flooring is at the top of the list among the best interior elements. The best-quality floors are manufactured using highly resistant materials like wood, laminate, vinyl, stone, etc. Like every other interior element, flooring can also face some problems. If these problems are not addressed instantly, they can permanently damage the floors.
In this blog post by Floorway, we will list 10 common flooring problems homeowners face along with their solutions. Go through this content carefully, as it will help you treat a flooring issue early on. Let’s get started.
Top 10 Flooring Problems And Their Reasons
To keep your flooring in good condition, it is important to understand its common issues and buy it from the best flooring supplier. Below are the top 10 floor problems, their reasons, and possible solutions.
1. Crowning & Cupping
Cupping and crowning are among the most common problems with wooden flooring. Sometimes, the wooden board’s sides are raised and look like a cup. Crowning happens when the center of a wooden plank swells and creates a raised appearance.
The basic reasons for such problems are the moisture and humidity levels. To resolve this issue, clean the space properly after spills, let the floor dry naturally, and completely dry the subfloor.
2. Buckling
Another common problem is buckling. You might observe the wooden board rising from the ground. The reasons behind this are the subfloor’s heavy and prolonged moisture conditions. The plank swells when it comes into contact with water and cannot find a place to expand, so it moves upward after detaching from the ground.
For prevention, it is good to maintain the moisture and humidity level in your interior. To attain this, ensure there is no leakage or spills and your space is adequately ventilated.
3. Fading/changes in colour
Discoloration or fading is the most common flooring problem, particularly associated with hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and SPC flooring. The sheets or planks sometimes have irregular and uneven discoloration depending on the UV light exposure. The main reasons are direct exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, harsh cleaning techniques, improper cleaning, and damage from heavy foot traffic.
To address fading, it is essential to use high-quality sheets that are durable, fade-resistant, and come with a UV-resistant coating. Use blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight. Keep the space clean by using gentle cleaning agents that cannot affect the natural shine of the floors.
4. Gapping
You might observe gaps between the wooden boards. This is due to the wood’s habit of expanding in high-moisture conditions and contracting in dry conditions. Laminate flooring also develops gaps or sometimes overlaps. The primary causes of the gap are moisture in the interior and poor installation techniques. Sometimes, improper use of sealers and adhesives is the main reason.
Always adjust the planks with a proper expansion gap while installing the floor. Maintaining the home environment with appropriate humidity will help to minimize this issue.
5. Scratches & Dents
The visual appearance of flooring is affected by lines, scratches, and dents. Heavy objects, high foot traffic, heels, furniture, machinery, and dropped things may cause scratches and dents on floors.
To protect the floor from scratches and marks, area rugs under heavy furniture, like a dining table, would be a good solution. Furniture glides can also protect the floor from scratches when you remove or drag the furniture.
6. Stains
Marks or spots are a common issue with flooring. Oil spills, or ink stains, make the floor unattractive and reduce its usability. If not treated promptly, they go deep and are difficult to remove. Handling the stains depends on their type. Some are easy to remove, while others require more attention and complex methods.
To keep your floor clean and attractive, ensure instant cleaning of spills. In case of spots, use reliable cleaning agents and detergents to remove them quickly.
7. Peeling/curling Edges
Peeling is the most prevalent issue in vinyl flooring. The edges of the tiles or planks may peel or curl off. This badly affects the outlook of your floors. Temperature and moisture fluctuations, flaws in the installation process, the use of poor adhesives, and improper finishing might lead to peeling and curling situations. Use quality adhesive to re-adhere the peeled-up detached corners and let them dry. You can use a heat gun to paste the curling edges properly.
8. Mold growth
Mold can grow on any floor. Wood floors are more prone to mold growth, while vinyl is water-resistant. Spills and prolonged damp conditions encourage mold spores to grow in the edges and seams of the planks. Proper ventilation, instant cleaning, and complete drying of the floor are necessary to limit mold growth. Additionally, use the water-resistant underlay.
9. Peaking or Tenting
You might observe the edges or seams of the floor rise and create peaks sometimes. Vinyl tiles peel due to changes in temperature and humidity. The floor surface swells due to improper installations, fewer expansion gaps, and poor adhesives between the floor and the underlay.
To avoid tenting, cut the peaked seam. Then reapply the adhesive to secure it back to the floor. In addition, basic cleaning and balanced humidity can minimize this problem.
10. Cracking/Chipping
The uneven and irregular patches on the floor look bad and affect its functionality. Those happen mainly due to cracking or chipping. Daily wear and tear, high foot traffic, and humidity fluctuation are the basic reasons for cracking. Poor fitting also causes the floor to chip. Proper installation and routine maintenance are good remedies for crack-free floors.
Final Thoughts
Hence, we conclude that flooring is a huge investment. So, it is necessary to maintain its quality and condition. You should understand the problems at the start and deal with them carefully according to your flooring type. Reinstallation is more expensive than adopting preventive measures. Prompt cleaning, proper installation, controlled humidity, and the use of quality products can help you enjoy the flooring for many years.
