Common Types of Damage for Wood Floors

There are several different types of wood flooring material that may be used to improve the look and overall value of a home; however, practically all wood flooring is susceptible to the same type of damage. Some of the most common types of damage to wood floors include:

• Light colored patches or scratches in high-traffic areas
• Buckled flooring due to leaks or high moisture
• Cupping, shelling or splintering caused by excess moisture
• Gaps between the floor boards due to moisture problems
• Mold damage, which can include rot, odors, discoloration and mold stains
• Pet stains and scratches

How to Prevent Damage

Because moisture and leaks seem to be the primary element of destruction when it comes to wood flooring damage, it is important that all homeowners get leaks and moisture issues under control as soon as they notice them. The sooner this type of issue is taken care of, the less damage their wood flooring will have to endure.

Start a Flooring Cleaning and Maintenance Routine

Keeping the flooring clean and free from mold or mildew can also help prolong the life of the wood material and make the need for repairs less likely. Owners of wood floors should stick to a routine cleaning schedule that consists of sweeping up dirt, wiping away spills on a daily basis and using a cleaning solution that will eliminate dirt, grease and other elements caused by daily wear each week.

Use the Right Type of Cleaner

It is important to always use the right type of cleaner for the specific wood floor material and use the right tools. Water should never be used because the moisture can damage the wood over time, and products that contain oil soaps or paste wax are likely to leave behind an unwanted residue. Wood flooring owners should also stay away from silicon, ammonia or undiluted vinegar; any product that contains these ingredients could damage the floor. Cleaning products that contain tung oil, lemon or citrus should also be avoided because these ingredients can eat away at the floor's finish.

Additional Ways to Prevent Damage to Wood Flooring

Consistent wear and tear on wood flooring can cause plenty of damage over time and be expensive to repair. To prevent scratches and imperfections from occurring, homeowners should place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas such as the hallway or the main entrance to the home. If there are pets living indoors, make sure that their claws stay trimmed to prevent additional scratches. When moving around furniture, always remember to lift and carry the items to eliminate scrapes or accidental gouges in the flooring. To keep the floor's brilliant color from fading, invest in blinds or window treatments designed to block out harmful UV rays.

How to Repair Wood Floor Damage

Cleaning and routine maintenance can be very helpful when it comes to protecting wood floors from damage, but accidents still occur, and everyday wear is nearly impossible to prevent over time. Touch-up kits and pre-mixed wood filler can help to eliminate scratches and scuffs that will match the stain and finish of the flooring. Light scratches can also be repaired by gently rubbing fine steel wool over the scratch along the grain of the wood. For deeper scratches, lightweight sandpaper can be used along the grain of the wood.

If the scratches are too far gone for filler or sandpaper to repair, it may be best to completely replace the wood. Many times, homeowners will attempt to restore the flooring inside an older home where areas of the flooring are too damaged or thin. Instead of replacing the flooring for the entire home, they can choose to only work on the damaged areas in order to save time and money while also keeping the home as untouched as possible. Matching the exact finish of the new strip to the current flooring can be difficult, but with the right type of stain and sealer, it can be done.

Refinishing Wood Floors

A high-quality wood floor is a great value to any home and should be taken care of throughout the years. If a homeowner begins to notice signs of wear and tear, they can make their flooring look like new again by refinishing it. Homeowners may save money by trying to refinish wood floors on their own, but the risk of damaging the floors may not make the savings worth it. There are a lot of steps when it comes to refinishing wood floors, and if they are not followed correctly, the flooring could end up in worse condition than before.

A professional wood floor refinisher knows the process thoroughly and understands what needs to be done to bring back the natural beauty of a specific type of flooring. They know how to fix simple mistakes and are able to get the job completed in less time. Unless a homeowner has already successfully refinished their wood flooring in the past, most homeowners are better off hiring a professional.