Flooring projects take a lot of time, energy and patience to complete. Hiring a professional can save you nights and weekends spent on a project you might not have wanted to tackle in the first place.
A professional crew can get the job done faster and leave you with floors that look great for years to come. However, even the best DIYers can run into hiccups along the way.
1. Unevenness
Uneven surfaces are one of the most common issues that can be found in homes and can be caused by a variety of factors. They can occur in all types of flooring including wood, laminate and tile. It’s important to understand that uneven floors can have a serious impact on the stability of a home and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
The first step in addressing uneven floors is to determine the cause of the problem. This is done by performing a visual inspection and identifying any high spots or low areas. The next step is to address any structural issues that may be contributing to the unevenness. This can include rotted floor joists or foundation cracks. Once these issues are addressed, it’s time to focus on the flooring.
If the unevenness is minor (1/2” or less deviation) and is not related to a structural defect it can be corrected by sanding the floor using a belt sander or orbital sander. If the issue is more severe, it can be corrected by packing hardwood shims between floorboards and joists to lift up the low spots or by removing the old floorboards and replacing them with plywood or chipboard.
If the unevenness is caused by a structural defect it will require professional attention from a contractor. This can include repairing or replacing load-bearing walls and beams as well as restoring and reinforcing weakened floor joists.
2. Gaps
Gaps in laminate or other types of wood flooring can be unsightly and can lead to a drafty floor, especially in winter when the wood contracts. While some gaps are inevitable if the floor is old, they can be repaired with some simple solutions.
The first thing to do is determine if the gap is caused by warped planks or an uneven subflooring. If the gap is caused by the latter, you may need to replace the planks or repair the subflooring, depending on the severity of the issue. Once the gap is due to a warped or damaged plank, you can use a wood glue to fill the gaps.
Depending on the size of the gap, you can apply the glue using a tool that matches the size (toothpicks or cotton swabs work well for small gaps, while a syringe will work better for larger ones). Once you have applied the glue, allow it to dry completely before you walk on the area again.
If you’re using a pre-made filler or putty, choose a color that closely matches your floor to ensure the gap is concealed. If you’re making your own filler, mix together equal parts of wood dust and resin until you have a paste that looks similar to the rest of your floor. Once the gap is filled, check that other gaps have not opened up along the row, then reapply the filler as needed.
3. Cracks
Updating your home’s flooring can give it a fresh new look and increase its value. However, DIY renovations aren’t always easy. One inexperienced mistake can cause costly problems down the road. Unless you have advanced skills, it’s best to leave flooring installation to the professionals.
Over time, everyday wear and tear takes its toll on all types of flooring. Squeaks develop in floorboards, minor damage afflicts resilient tile and sheet flooring, burn marks appear on carpeting, and wood surfaces show signs of age. These problems are common, but they don’t have to be.
Depending on the type of flooring and environmental conditions, you can often correct these issues with simple repairs. Squeaky floors can be fixed by using shims or a solid piece of lumber to wedge between the subfloor and the joists. This will prevent the floorboards from rubbing against each other, which causes the squeaky whistling noise.
Surface scratches and dings on wood flooring can be repaired with touch-up products, while deeper gouges require sanding and refinishing. Moisture is another important factor to consider when installing wood flooring. It’s vital to follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for your specific flooring type to avoid long-term damage from moisture. Also, be sure to allow sufficient curing time for sealants, caulk and grout. Failure to do so may result in shrinking or cracking of the flooring. A professional can help you determine the best drying techniques for your climate and flooring type.
4. Buckling
Buckling is a common laminate flooring problem that can cause raised ridges in affected areas. It can be caused by many factors, including moisture, temperature changes, and improper installation.
If the buckling is minor and there’s no sign of deep water damage, the boards may return to their normal position on their own. However, if you have buckled laminate that’s been exposed to excessive moisture or humidity levels, you’ll need to address the underlying issue. This could involve repairing the subfloor, replacing the affected planks, or simply using fans and dehumidifiers to lower moisture levels in your home.
It’s also important to properly prepare the subfloor before installing your new hardwood floors. This means cleaning the surface, sanding high areas and filling low ones. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the floor is level and flat, which can be accomplished with a simple wood filler or a self-leveling compound.
Even if you follow all of the above tips, it’s still possible to encounter some unexpected hiccups with your DIY flooring project. That’s why entrusting your home’s floor installation to a professional installer is so worth it. They can help you with floor selection, fast installation, and expert guidance to help prevent future problems. Get in touch with them today or find out more about how they can make your flooring project as smooth as possible through their gmb. Then, you can enjoy your new floors with peace of mind for years to come!
5. Uneven Subfloors
When tackling flooring projects, precision is key to ensure a smooth and professional-looking outcome. However, even if you follow the instructions provided by manufacturers and use the proper tools for installation, mistakes can still be made that lead to unsightly outcomes. For example, improper cuts can result in wasted materials and awkward edges that ruin the look of a room.
Another common DIY flooring mistake is neglecting to properly prepare the subfloor before laying new material. If you skip this important step, your floor may not adhere to the substrate or be structurally sound. This can cause squeaks, cracks, and premature wear in the flooring material.
Many people overlook the importance of preparing a subfloor before installing new flooring, especially in older homes. Insufficient cleaning and preparation can result in sagging floors, which can damage the new flooring and create problems down the road.
One way to address uneven subfloors is to add plywood underlayment. You can install this over a concrete slab or wood subfloor, and it can help to eliminate dips or high points in the floor. Make sure to plan out the layout of the plywood sheets so that their long dimensions run perpendicular to joists. Also, don’t forget to leave expansion gaps, which allow for natural expansion and contraction of the flooring due to changes in temperature and humidity.
6. Loose Tiles
Tiles are strong, durable floor coverings that look great and are suitable for most spaces. However, just like any other flooring material, they will eventually wear out and loosen over time. Loose tiles can be quite a nuisance, particularly in high traffic areas of your home such as the bathroom and kitchen. They not only make a drummy sound when you walk over them but can also trap moisture or cause mould to grow under them. If left untreated, they can also loosen further and create a safety hazard.
Loose tiles are usually the result of a degrading tile adhesive, but they can be caused by poor installation practices as well. This includes not using enough adhesive, or attempting a method called spot bonding, which involves placing a spot of tile adhesive on each corner and the middle of the back of the tile before laying it. This method leaves a lot of gaps between each tile, which can cause the tiles to loosen over time.
To repair loose tiles, you will first need to remove any grout from the area that is already loose. Then, use a sponge that is soaked in warm water (not dripping) to clean the surface of the floor. This will get rid of any old adhesive residue and prep the surface for your new floor adhesive. After you have cleaned the area, use a tube of tile adhesive with a long application tip and carefully squeeze it underneath the loose tiles to secure them in place.
