Common Issues With Hardwood Flooring

Cracks

• Cracks, or notable separations between the wooden floor boards, is often caused by a lack of moisture in the air inside the home. Cracked wooden flooring may creak when walked on. To remedy this problem, it's important to ad moisture to the air in the space where the hardwood floors are installed. Opening the dishwasher to release the steam after the rinse cycle or boiling a pot of water on the stove will slightly increase humidity in the home and help bring the hardwood floor boards back together.

Termites

• According to the Wood Floors Online website, many homeowners don't realize that the interior layer of their hardwood floors have been damaged by termites until the top layer of flooring has been removed. When you tap the floor with a screwdriver, a hollow sound can mean termites have eaten away at the floor. Airing out the house by leaving the windows open for extended periods of time can get rid of the humidity buildup in the house.

Discoloration

• Spilling water or other beverages on hardwood floors, pet urine or installing floors over a piping system in the home that constantly leaks water can lead to mildewed floors and discolored hardwood. Residue from soaps or oils can make hardwood floors lighter or darker than their original shade, as well. Lightly scrubbing the surface with sandpaper will help get rid of dark hardwood floor stains. A solution of equal parts water and bleach on a damp cloth applied to the floor for about half an hour can help lift stubborn stains; after the bleach dries, it's safe to re-color the floor, if necessary.

Finishing Issues

• Pets' toenails, strong chair legs, water and abrasive soaps can cause bubbling, blistering or peeling in the finish of hardwood flooring. Bubbling also happens when the wood flooring stain hasn't dried completely, or the earlier-applied coats of finished aren't dried hard before a new coat is added. If the finish has separated from the actual wood surface, sanding the floor and refinishing it is best. If the finishing is only damaged on the surface, simply screen the floor (a process that gives the floor a light sanding) and apply more coating.