Flooring is not forever, and sometimes, there can be signs that tell you loud and clear that it is time to replace the floors and get new ones. When to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor? Here is everything you need to know about them.
There Are Cracks
The first thing that can point to the fact that you need new floors is the appearance of cracks on the floors. Now, a couple of small cracks here and there is fine and it shouldn’t raise your alarm bells so quickly, but if you see deep cracks or divots on the surface of the floors, then that can be quite troubling.
Cracks on the floor can be due to a lot of reasons. There can be structural issues that have caused the flooring to crack. There can be issues with the installation or there can be temperature fluctuations that are causing the material to expand and contract too much and hence causing cracks.
Although cracks really don’t sound so serious, the thing that follows after the fact can really make you want to change the flooring immediately. With cracks, your flooring and infrastructure are exposed, and if moisture or any other harmful agent finds its way into the cracks and crevices, then your floorboards are done for. This is something that you don’t want to neglect.
There Is Mold
There is always a possibility of mold thriving underneath the floors. Actually, this place is the perfect thriving ground for mold, because it is well hidden and is seldom disturbed, which makes it easier for the mold to grow roots and thrive. For you, it is a very unpleasant situation, because you will see and smell the presence of mold, which is not good at all.
The floors will be very dirty, they will be smelly and whatever you do, you just can’t seem to get rid of it until you change the floors and fix the issue underneath.
It Is Hard To Walk On
Sometimes, the flooring can be really hard to walk on, especially when it is really old. There can be holes or gouges on the floors, which can make cleaning a hassle and there can also be structural issues that can cause the flooring material to lose its integrity and just a slight impact of force can break the material and the floors can cave in.
This is really dangerous and it is just an accident waiting to happen, so you want to ensure that you’re not waiting too long to change the flooring.
Flooring Is Discolored
This is also a very common sign that can not only point to the fact that your floors need changing, but also the presence of mold underneath the floors. There might be a few stains on your floors, and that is completely okay and not alarming at all.
But when you start to see a lot of dark stains, almost to the point of discoloration on the floors, then that is something that you have to keep in mind. This is not normal at all and you need to check the root of the problem right away before things take a turn for the worse. When replacing floors or remodeling your kitchen, remember to use materials that match the color theme of your kitchen.
Other Things Are Affected
Changing the floors because they’re old is one thing, but when the very floors become a hazard to the rest of the things around them, then it is something that you have to take seriously. You can’t expect the floors not to affect the things around them, especially in a kitchen where there are heavy appliances, pipes, and drains everywhere.
So, if those things are being affected and their safety is on the line, then changing the floors becomes non-negotiable. So, you always want to keep an eye out for this issue, because it is a very serious one if you turn a blind eye to it.
Lifted Edges
Usually, normal floors are flush with the ground and there is no lifting or curling on the edges. But if you do see this happening, then this is really bad and you want to do something about it right away. Something inside the floors is causing the flooring material to be lifted and that is what you have to figure out and get to the bottom of.
Water or even mold can weaken the adhesive holding the flooring material together and this can cause lifted edges. This is a very serious issue and there’s no way out other than hiring a kitchen remodeler Bowie to replace the floors completely.
Holes On The Floors
You’ve heard of holes in the wall, but holes on the floor? Well, they are a sign of bad flooring material and you have to replace them, because there is nothing else that you can do. Holes can form due to a lot of reasons.
There can be structural problems with the floor installation, there can be uneven weight distribution, which can cause holes to form on one side of the floors or it can also be something far more serious, like internal damage to the flooring material, either because of water, animals, or even mold.
Creaking Noises
When you walk on floors, there is rarely any creaking heard. Some creaking is common, especially if you have hardwood floors and they are installed in panels. But you don’t hear nonstop creaking. If you start to hear continuous squeaking and creaking noises whenever you or anyone else walks on the floor, then that is something worth checking out.
You have to figure out the problem and find the solution. Why is the material suddenly creaking? Is there a deformation under the floors? What is going on? Well, you will only find out once you tear the floors apart and see for yourself.
Spongy Floors
Floors can be anything, but never spongy. This is not the way floors feel. So, if they do start to feel squishy and spongy under your feet, then you need to see why it is happening and unfortunately, you will have to change the floors no matter what, because now the floors are a lost cause and there is nothing you can do about it.
The main reason for spongy floors might be water damage or even mold under the floorboards, so this is a really serious issue that you have to solve before things get worse.
They Just Look Old
When you look at your floors and they just look old and outdated, that is when you want to change them too. This is not something that is harmful or hazardous by any means, but it can turn into a problem.
Most flooring materials have a lifespan of a decade or so. So, after this, the materials will look worn and just not pleasant. So, it is better to change them out for new ones and you’ll be good.
Conclusion
Replacing the flooring and remodeling the kitchen can be expensive but it can give you piece of mind and your kitchen a new look. Don’t ignore these signs and contact kitchen remodeling companies Silver Spring for replacing the flooring.
