5 Signs You Need to Sand Old Wood Floors in the Home!

by Eva November 1, 2022

written by Eva November 1, 2022

5 Signs You Need to Sand Old Wood Floors in the Home!

There is nothing more frustrating than walking on old, creaky floorboards. Sure, they might look clean and fresh from the factory, but over time dirt, dust mites, and other allergies are introduced into the home through the cracks in the floorboards. When this happens, removing these allergens and keeping them out of the air you breathe can be difficult.

If this sounds familiar and you’ve been meaning to get your floors refinished for a while now, don’t worry; we’re here to help. Sanded floors can be crucial for home improvement. Here are five signs that you need to sand your old wood floors in the home!

#1 Your Floorboards are Cracking

If your floorboards are cracking, this is a sign that the wood has become weak and can no longer support your weight. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including moisture and pests. Over time, moisture can gradually weaken the wood and cause it to dry out. This can lead to it shrinking and becoming loose and fragile. Similarly, insects and rodents can eat away at the wood, making it brittle and weak. Both of these factors can cause the floorboard to crack or break completely if left unchecked.

#2 The Finish Has Gone Off

Wood flooring that is properly finished will have a beautiful, glossy sheen that brings out the grain of the wood beautifully. If a coating of finish has been applied to the wood, but the finish has worn off over time, this will result in dull-looking floors that are less attractive to look at. This can be a problem if you have hardwood or laminate flooring in your home, as it is much more attractive to have shiny floors that look clean and vibrant. Sanding the floors will restore the finish and give the wood a brand-new shine that is sure to impress your guests.

#3 You Have Persistent Squeaks and Creaks

Squeaks and creaks caused by old floors can be annoying, especially if you live with other people in the house. You may also hear them when you walk across the floor barefoot. This problem can be made worse by humidity in the air, as high humidity makes the floorboards swell up and can become loose or uneven. As a result, this causes the floorboards to squeak when you step on them or make noise when you walk over them.

#4 You Notice a Musty Smell in the House

If you notice a damp smell coming from your floorboards or a musty odor, this could indicate that there is a damp issue underneath the floorboards that is causing the damp smell. This could be caused by a leaky pipe or a plumbing issue that hasn’t been addressed properly. By addressing the issue and fixing the leak or fixing the problem that caused the leak in the first place, you should be able to get rid of the damp smell once and for all.

#5 Gaps are Appearing in the Floorboards

Gaps appearing in your floorboards can be caused by a number of different things. It could be that the planks have been warped or damaged by water, making it difficult for the boards to lie flat on the floor. This can cause a gap to appear between the floorboards if it is not fixed immediately. If the gap appears between two different pieces of wood, then it may indicate that there is an issue with the joists or support beams underneath your home that are causing the floor to be unstable. If this is the case, then you will need to take measures to fix the problem before it can cause any further damage to your home.

Conclusion

Over time, your hardwood floors may start to look a bit shabby. As time goes by, it can become harder to clean and repair the floorboards if the surface gets damaged in any way. If you have any problems with your wooden flooring, it may be time to start looking at alternatives such as laminate or vinyl flooring. Contact your local flooring store today for more information about the best flooring options available for your home.