Monterey Hardwood Floor Failure Signs to Heed

Hardwood failure signs range from all-too obvious to very slight and subtle. However, most of the time, it’s not too difficult to tell when a floor is coming to the usable end of its life. In most instances, hardwood is salvageable and refinishing is a viable option. However, just because hardwood is able to be refinished, doesn’t mean it’s the right choice.

Top Hardwood Replacement Options

Now, if it is time to replace hardwood, then you might well change things up a bit. After all, you don’t have to install new hardwood flooring to replace the old one. Perhaps the most viable alternative is engineered flooring. It comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles. (It’s even possible to find tile that looks like hardwood.) Or, go with tile. Here again, tile comes in a huge variety.

Old-growth wood–typically, Douglas fir, oak and maple–has higher density and fewer defects than new wood, and often comes in lengths of 12 ft. or more, which you won’t find at a big-box store. Salvaging it from an old home takes time but saves money; boards wider than the standard 2 1/4-in. strips are particularly valuable. --Popular Mechanics.com

Of course, you can also go with an alternative like pergo or another product. Obviously, there are instances when replacement is the only real solution. Therefore, you should be in-the-know about what constitutes a necessity. In other words, it’s best to do small repairs or just refinish hardwood instead of outright replacement.

Monterey Hardwood Floor Failure Signs to Heed

There are times when too much damage is present and no amount of restoration will salvage the whole floor. So, when to refinish and when to replace depends on the following signs:

• Separated boards. When the boards begin to separate and gaps remain for a long period of time, this is sign hardwood needs to be replaced. In general, boards will show some separation, due to temperature and moisture levels. But, when the gaps stay and the boards don’t come back together, it’s probably replacement time.
• Cupping. When the edges cup up and the centers stay in place, that’s known as cupping. And, it’s a sign replacement is in the near future. Particularly if the edges curl up more and more over time.
• Crowning. Boards which rise in the center but have flat, in-place edges are crowning. Crowning generally occurs from moisture imbalances and does not naturally correct itself. Crowning also worsens and isn’t an easy fix.
• Buckling. Hardwood can also pull away from the subfloor underneath. When this occurs, the hardwood buckles. Most often, buckling is the result of severe moisture exposure. Or, if a home experiences flooding. (If it’s due to flooding, the subfloor might also need some TLC.)
• Gouges. If a hardwood floor is littered with deep gouges, it’s often better to replace than refinish. Another consideration is how thick the boards are and the viability of removing another layer. Gouges are usually quite obvious and are also unsightly.

When you need remodeling debris removal of hardwood floor material, phone 800-737-5923 or visit Pro Junk Dispatch.