If you are thinking of a hardwood floor installation in Los Angeles at your place, you might also want to know the issues that arise. Cupping of floorboards is one of the most common issues among them. The earlier you address problems like these, the merrier. Otherwise, you might even have to replace the entire flooring, which will cost you a fortune.
But if addressed at an early stage, fixing a cupped floorboard is a cakewalk! You can easily follow DIY videos and apply the tricks to repair the floorboards, although seeking the help of a professional would be better.
In this excerpt, we will provide you with a stepwise guide to fix cupped hardwood flooring. So tag along!
Why Does The Issue Of Cupping Arise?
Cupping usually happens because of moisture-related issues. Excessive moisture causes the edges of the floorboard to rise while forming a dip at the center, resulting in the creation of a cupped appearance.
Following is a list of some more reasons that cause floorboard cupping-
● Moisture Imbalance
This is one of the most common causes of floorboard cupping. For instance, if the moisture content of the floorboard is higher on a side, the particular edge will expand more, thereby causing cupping.
● Insufficient Moisture Barriers In Subflooring
If the subfloor installation is not done properly with proper sealing and moisture protection, it causes moisture from the subfloor to rise and affect the flooring. So, along with proper hardwood floor installation in Los Angeles, checking the subfloors is also crucial.
● Water Damage
Water leakage, spills, and flooding are some of the prime reasons behind floorboard cupping issues. Exposure to high humidity levels for a long time also contributes to floorboard cupping issues.
How To Fix A Cupped Floorboard?
Now let’s get to know how you can effectively fix a cupped floorboard and make your flooring look new again.
First, you’ll need to see where the moisture is coming from and eliminate the source. So fix any unidentified leakages, and use a dehumidifier to cut off the excess moisture present in the air.
Determining the kind of issue is the second step! You’ll need to see what type of cupping has affected your floorboards. Is it the usual high-edges and dipped center (concave cupping), or is it low-edges and bulged center (convex cupping). Both require different methods for fixation.
A crucial thing to do next is to let the cupped area dry naturally. This might take a few days, but is necessary. Also, use a moisture meter to determine the moisture levels to ensure the ultimate stabilization.
After the floor is dry, use a belt sander or a drum sander to sand the surface until they are all at the same level. Just don’t over-sand the flooring as it leads to severe damage. After that, you’ll need to apply a uniform coat of finish as recommended by the manufacturer.
Always monitor the humidity levels and try to maintain your hardwood flooring. Clean up spills immediately, and use a dehumidifier if necessary to control the moisture levels in the air. This is how you keep the condition of the hardwood floors optimal.
While opting for a hardwood floor installation in Los Angeles, make sure to read the maintenance guide properly. Maintaining regularly and addressing issues immediately will help to make your hardwood floor last longer and be in optimal condition.
Also Read: What Are The Top Trends In Hardwood Flooring In 2023?
Copyright © 2023 Hardwood Flooring Company - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.