There are many benefits to hardwood flooring, but the material can be prone to moisture problems. The longer excess moisture goes unnoticed, the worse the issue can become. Recognizing the warning signs of moisture problems and knowing how to respond can keep your floors in top shape. The following guide will cover three common hardwood flooring problems every homeowner should know about.

What Hardwood Floor Problems Should Homeowners Be Aware Of?

Crowning & Cupping

Crowning occurs when there is more moisture in the center of a piece of hardwood flooring than in its edges. This can cause the center of floorboards to rise, creating a crowned appearance.

Cupping is the opposite and occurs when there is more moisture in the floorboard edges than in the center. This causes the boards to rise on the sides and dip in the center.

Both are most often caused by water damage from broken pipes or significant humidity levels in the room. The floors need to be completely dried before repairs can be made. If humidity was the cause, run a dehumidifier to dry out the space. A professional may need to ventilate the underside of the floor, as well.

Use a floor sander to flatten the crowned or cupped surface. Boards may need to be replaced if the sander wears them too thin.

To avoid future damage, keep rooms with hardwood flooring well ventilated, and conduct routine home inspections to avoid moisture leaks from damaged plumbing. A moisture meter can help you keep track of the moisture levels in the floors so you can increase a room’s ventilation before a problem occurs. 

Buckling

Buckling occurs when wooden planks of hardwood pull away from the subfloor, causing a raised appearance. It is often accompanied by crowning and cupping and can be caused by leaks, flooding, excess humidity, poor installation, and improper care. 

In most cases, floors that have buckled will need to be replaced. Monitor moisture levels in your home, clean spills and messes immediately, and keep humidity levels between 30% and 50% to avoid future problems.

If you need to replace hardwood flooring due to moisture issues, contact A-1 Linoleum & Carpet Inc. This company is located in Lincoln, NE, and their team has been serving the area for more than 45 years. These flooring experts can help with countertops, as well as hardwood, tile, and vinyl flooring. They also offer carpet installation. Visit them online or call (402) 464-3125 to learn more.