When The Wood Floor Is Aching For A Fresh Start
How do you know that it is time to have the floor sanded and refinished? One of the advantages of having a wood floor is that you get the opportunity to revitalise it, removing those old and worn-out coats, and given a new look and feel to the space. However, this can only be done for a limited number of times, depending on factors such as the thickness of the wear layer. Let’s look at 5 signs that the floor needs to be refinished.
- Large and/or excessive scratches
Scratches on wood floors are inevitable, so no need to panic when you see a few of them on your installation. There are measures that you can take to reduce the rate at which they form, such as by having welcome mats that scrape off the soiling from under people shoes as they walk into the house, or even banning shoes in the house altogether. Area rugs for those high traffic areas, trimming the claws of the pets – these will come in handy to protect your installation. When the surface gets covered in multiple scratches over time, covering such a large area that it can no longer be ignored, then a complete floor sanding and refinishing will be required.
There are cases when the scratches are large and deep, getting through the stain and reaching the wood itself. This is particularly problematic because it provides a spot for water and spills to get directly in the wood, increasing the risk of damage to the structure. You can’t just reapply the stain on the spot, since it doesn’t solve the problem. Here, the floor sanding refinishing should be carried out urgently.
- Floorboards are turning grey
Have you noticed that some of the boards are beginning to go grey? Then the floor sanding and refinishing is a matter of urgency. Here, there greying is due to the wood tissue absorbing water, and oxidation occurring. This typically happens when the protective finish coats that have been applied wear out, causing more moisture to be soaked into the wood tissue, be it from rain, spills, snow tracked into house, or even sweat from people’s feet and pet’s paws. When the floor is simply grey, the floor sanding and refinishing will restore it. However, if the boards have reached the point where they are turning black, then they will need to be replaced. Not all is lost at this point though. In case you choose to go with a darker colour for the floor, then you can have the surrounding boards sanded down and a dark wood stain applied that will blend with the affected boards.
- Faded surface
As the sun shines on the floor over the years, its UV radiation will cause the surface to gradually fade. Here, the floor sanding and refinishing will renew the installation. A similar case also occurs when the finish coats that are used on the floor develop yellow tint due to the sun’s radiation. Speaking of which, it’s recommended that you treat the floor with a non-yellowing finish after the floor sanding has been carried out. That way, it will get to retain the desired hue and gloss for longer.
- Water damaged floor
Water is really dangerous for your wood floor. With sustained water damage, there can be anything from warping of the surface, separation of some of the boards, cupping or crowning, and even buckling of the floor. Note that the source of the water problem needs to be resolved first before the floor sanding is carried out. For instance, if it is a plumbing leak that caused there to be some flooding in the house, the affected pipework is fixed and the floor mopped, then allowed to dry. Here, the wood should be given some time to stabilize, before proceeding to sand the cupping or crowning surfaces.
- You just need a new look and feel
Sometimes the refinishing is not because of the floor being damaged and requiring repair, but rather simply changing the décor of the house. The wide range of wood stains and lacquers available enables you to select a hue that will match your style and preferences. However, before these new products are applied, the existing coats need to be removed, which is where the floor sanding comes in. This will enable the new treatments to bond strongly to the wood, and prolong the life of your installation.
Get The Pros To Work On Your Floor
Floor renovation is a massive project. Lots of skill and powerful machinery is needed for the task, especially for the sanding stage of the process. Rolling up your sleeves to take it on as a DIY project may be biting more than you can chew, due to the wide room for error, and the amount of time and sweat equity that would go into it. You don’t want to spend days in sweat-filled rooms as you work your way through the house. What’s more, at the initial stages of the floor sanding, there will be visible changes as the old coats are removed. However, as the sanding continues, the changes become less distinguishable. Since the task will revolve around removing scratches and smoothening out the surface. You can’t rush this bit though. It will be important to follow through the grit sequences, otherwise you risk leaving blemishes on the surface, which will feature prominently on the final result. Mistakes with manoeuvring the floor sander over the surface – either going too fast or too slow each result in negative consequences for your floor, chatter marks being left on the surface or divots being created – these will all mess with the floor, and are not issues you want to find yourself facing.
Calling in the expert floor sanding and restoration crew, with the company already having the skilled personnel needed for the task, as well as the machinery to carry it out. Here you get to benefit from a reduction in the amount of time spent on the task, and quality results that will restore the charm to your installation.
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