Warping in wood floors is a common issue that can lead to damage over time. Not only does it make the floor look unattractive, but it also may cause uneven pressure points and lead to creaking or cracking. Warping is usually the result of either too much moisture or too much heat. To prevent warping, never install wood flooring in a high-traffic area such as a bathroom or kitchen.
If you install wood flooring in a high-traffic area, use either solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring. Solid hardwoods will warp less than engineered woods. Engineered woods are becoming more popular because of their durability and water resistance compared to solid hardwoods.
It’s easy to determine if your wood floor is warped
First, use a level to check for levelness across the entire floor. Then, pull a straight edge across the floor at a 90-degree angle. The wood should lie flat on top of the straight edge without any gaps in between. If your floor is warped, that usually means the wood has been affected by too much moisture or heat at some point.
To fix warping, you will need to let the wood dry for several days. Then, place a fan by your affected boards and blow it across the wood for several more days. After the wood dries, pull out your straight edge again to make sure the floor is flat.
If the wood is still warped, you may have to repeat the drying and fan process several times before the floor is flat. To help prevent warping in the future, always use a moisture meter to test whether a board is too wet or dry before installing it. If you find that your wood floor is warped, contact a professional flooring contractor to fix it.
Don’t panic if you notice your wood floors beginning to warp
Wood floor warping isn’t as uncommon as you may think. Over time, wood floors can warp as a result of the moisture in the air. If you’re not sure if your wood floors are warped, contact a professional floor repairs contractor to inspect them. If they are warped, a good flooring contractor can fix the problem. If not, you’ll need to replace the wood floor.
The entire process of fixing your wood flooring isn’t as complex as you may think. Sure, it may take some time, but your floors will be as good as new before you know it. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful hardwood floor in your home without any problems.
