While the allure of brand new hardwood floors is often irresistible, reclaiming your existing floorboards and saving them from full replacement can be more cost-effective, especially for homeowners with minimal water damage. To do so, you must first identify the damage and understand what caused it in order to effectively repair it.

In general, any visible signs of moisture are a warning that your floorboards need to be repaired or replaced. If the moisture is not cleaned quickly, it can cause mold growth, warping and discoloration that may be impossible to repair.

If the floorboards are nailed to floor joists, it’s important to examine these joists for any sign of moisture damage as well. The joists are an integral structural component of the home and offer support for the subflooring. Moisture can saturate the joists and weaken them over time, which can lead to wood rot.

Using the appropriate tools and equipment, remove the baseboards around the room and pull up carpeting in order to fully inspect the wood floorboards for damage and to identify the source of any water leaks or flooding. If you find any boards that are heavily damaged, it’s important to remove them carefully in order not to cause additional damage to the surrounding boards. If you do need to replace them, be sure to use the same type of wood as the original boards to ensure a seamless appearance.

The next step is to dry the affected floorboards thoroughly by opening all doors and windows in the room and utilizing dehumidifiers and large fans to encourage air circulation. This is critical to prevent future water damage, mold growth and wood rot. Once the floorboards are fully dry, they can be sanded and refinished to return their original luster.

Surface scratches, dents and gouges can be repaired by filling in the damaged areas with wood filler. This product is available in a wide range of colors to match the color of your wood floor. It is important to use a putty knife to ensure that the filler is evenly distributed and that it covers up any exposed wood. When the filler is cured, it can be sanded and buffed with a sandpaper to smooth the repairs and to create a uniform finish on the floor.

For more severe damage, the best course of action may be to replace the floorboards entirely. This is especially true if the boards have extensive sagging or appear to be bowing in the middle, which is known as crowning. This happens when the bottom of the board absorbs more moisture than the top, causing it to swell and then curl up. This can be caused by floods, heavy furniture and even spilled beverages. If you do need to replace the floorboards, be sure to purchase a quality hardwood that matches the original boards. In general, it is a good idea to stain all of the replacement boards at the same time as the old ones in order to achieve a consistent look throughout the room.

Your home’s floors are one of its most significant assets, and keeping them in good condition can significantly increase the value of your property. Handymen are highly-skilled and capable of addressing even the most complicated repair or installation jobs with precision and quality. If you’re looking for a Memphis floor repair services that can keep your floors in pristine condition, contact Home Repair Services, Inc today. The best handyman Memphis TN will assess your home’s needs, provide a transparent overview of the project, and work to ensure you receive the best results possible.