Fix Hardwood Floor Systems

Investing in a well installed, durable floating floor can make great sense, not just for your pocketbook but also for your room’s aesthetics. But what happens when floating floors “go wrong”? Here we tabulate a few common floating floor problems and fixes.

 

1. An expansion problem known as “peaking”

Your floor and walls are, in a certain sense, fluid. They expand and contract based on the weather, humidity, and other factors. When a floor expands against the doorway molding or wall, the boards can actually buckle up and create a tripping hazard — and certainly an aesthetically displeasing situation. The solution is generally to eliminate the obstruction (such as the wall or molding) and allow the floor to expand and even out.

2. Water/moisture-induced warping and/or buckling

Laminate floors can be challenged by humidity and pooling water in a disturbingly myriad number of ways. If water gets into the sub-floor, the dampness can cause the floor to buckle (positive curvature) or warp (negative curvature). A balancing layer can help to even out this unwanted curvature, or you may need to upgrade to a higher quality product.

3. Mildew, mold, and other yucky infestations

Where there is a mildew or mold, there is almost certainly moisture. Fungal spores, bacteria, and other “not so great stuff” can emanate from mold and mildew patches, degrade your air quality, and generally make your kitchen or other area look pretty terrible. To fix this issue, you may need to repair or even replace your laminate floor.

But you should also be sure to get to the root of the problem. What’s leaking? What caused the water and moisture to pool in the first place? If you don’t ID and fix the primary source of mildew, it’s going to come back and cost you more money and time.

As we discussed earlier, floating floors are sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure and moisture. Floors can contract as well as expand – particularly in cold, dry environments. This problem is not particularly common, but you can prevent it on installation day: make sure the hardwood floor is the precise temperature/humidity will normally be when you do the word. Don’t install on the hottest, muggiest day of summer!

5. Annoying chipping

Poor installation or handling of floating floors – as well as imprecise cleaning (e.g. using a beater bar vacuum attachment) can lead to nasty chipping on the corners. This in turn can allow water to seep into the chipped area, which can in turn breed mold and mildew, and so forth.

The best fix is to avoid damaging the floors in the first place!

6. Get a complete and thorough assistance with your floating floor diagnosis.

The team here at Elegant Floors (www.elegant-floors.com) can help you identify, fix, and prevent your floating floor problems, so that your kitchen or the room looks gorgeous for years | 650-961-1339

 

 

6 Easy Fixes for Common Floating Floor Problems
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