Did you know that over half of U.S. homeowners reported undertaking a home renovation project in 2022? They spent an estimated $427 billion on these home improvements. Bathrooms were the most commonly renovated, followed by kitchens and living rooms.
Experts say home improvement spending will increase further this 2023. They forecast the U.S. remodeling market size to reach $485 billion this year.
So if you also plan to take on a home improvement project, consider floor remodeling. This makes even more sense if your existing floors show signs of needing replacement.
But what are those signs telling you it’s time for a new floor installation? Keep reading, as we’ve rounded them up in this guide.
1. Water Damage
Every year, U.S. household leaks waste almost one trillion gallons of water. Many of these problems go undetected for a long time because of their “hidden” locations. These include plumbing pipes that run through the walls and floors.
Such pipe leaks can result in floors becoming water-damaged. When this happens, it can result in the floor developing discoloration and staining.
The longer your floor remains wet, the higher its risk of becoming a source of pests. Long-term water exposure can also cause it to develop soft spots.
Water penetration from outside sources, such as floods, can also cause water-damaged floors. Indoor flooding can also result from not having enough positive yard grading.
Regardless of the cause of the water damage, the first step is to address it. Do this before your floor remodeling project. Even the best floors won’t last long if they continuously get exposed to moisture.
You can install new floors once you’ve fixed the unwanted water source. Consider investing in waterproof flooring to cut the risks of future water damage. Luxury Mannington Adura vinyl flooring, tiles, and laminate are among your top options.
2. Mold Damage
Unaddressed water penetration and damage can give rise to mold growth on floors. This is why you should address leaks and indoor flooding immediately. It can take as little as one to two days for mold spores that land on damp spots to grow and multiply.
If not corrected promptly, molds can eat your floor away. This can result in your flooring developing soft, weak spots. They can also discolor floors and emit musty odors.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to call mold remediation and floor services.
Mold remediation experts can determine if you indeed have a mold problem. They can then dehumidify, dry, and treat the affected areas to reduce the risk of future mold growth.
A flooring company can inspect your existing system to see if it’s repairable. If not, it’s time to have it remodeled.
3. Termite Infestation
Termites cause so much structural damage amounting to billions of dollars each year. As a result, U.S. property owners spend over $2 billion yearly to treat them.
Water leaks are common contributors to termite infestations. That’s another good reason to get these issues fixed ASAP. Otherwise, they can make floors even more attractive to these damaging pests.
Unfortunately, you may already have termite-damaged floors if they sag or blister. Hollow-sounding floorboards are also strong indications. Please have them inspected and possibly replaced before they collapse and cause injuries.
4. Excessive Wear and Tear
Floors naturally wear and tear over time due to foot traffic and the loads they carry. So, you can expect them to develop scratches, dents, and scuff marks over the years.
Still, lack of maintenance and misuse can cause flooring systems to deteriorate faster. They can develop numerous stains, deep gouges, chips, and cracks.
Those problems can all make floors more prone to further and worse damage. For instance, stains can attract unwanted critters. Gouges, chips, and cracks can weaken flooring materials and make them more likely to break.
If your floor only has a few damaged spots, you can fix or replace these areas. However, it may be time for a complete remodel if they’re all over your flooring.
5. Creaking and Squeaking
One or two creaking or squeaking floorboards may only be a simple issue of loose nails. These are often easy to repair with new screws, glue, or lubrication.
However, if you have older flooring, such noises may be signs of rotting. Rotting may occur faster due to water damage but can happen gradually from high humidity.
The more humid it is inside your home, the more water in the air your floors can absorb. This can then cause them to become moist in the long term and, over time, begin to rot.
If many spots on your floor make annoying noises, have a flooring contractor inspect them. They can tell you if it’s a fixable issue, but if not, they’ll likely recommend replacing your flooring.
6. Damages Due to Over-Sanding
Wood floors are beautiful, classic, and elegant and can last 100 years or more. Their proper maintenance, including sanding, lets homeowners reap those benefits.
Floor sanding involves removing a wooden floor’s top surfaces with abrasive materials. It aims to remove or improve the appearance of visible signs of wear, such as scratches and scuff marks. It’s a process you can do over and over again.
However, that doesn’t mean you can sand wooden floors an infinite number of times. It depends on the wood’s quality and species, but the range is between 5 and 10 times. You must also refinish the surfaces with a sealant or stain after each time you sand them.
Over-sanded floors can become too thin and more prone to breakage and cracks. They can also become loose, buckled, warped, or noisy.
If your flooring shows those symptoms, it’s most likely over-sanded. In this case, your best bet is to look into having it replaced.
Time for a Floor Remodeling Project
From water damage to molds, termites, and noises, these are all signs it’s time for new flooring. Excessive wear, tear, or over-sanding may also warrant floor remodeling ASAP. By taking on this project, you can improve your flooring’s beauty and safety and your home’s value.
For more related reading, check out our guide on the different types of flooring and their pros and cons!
