Blog
Signs It is Time To Replace Six Flooring Types
2nd July 2018
As a home or business owner, you know that things deteriorate and need swapping out. Air conditioners break down, roofs leak, and flooring wears with use. How soon should you replace your floors? Which option lasts the longest? We answer these questions below with information about the most common flooring types in our post.
Reasons your ceramic tile needs replacing
Angie’s List says that dingy, cracked, and missing floor tiles are all signs that you may want to replace your flooring. You might want to hire a contractor to do the work if you have significant damage from a flood event or noticeable bowing on the floor. Possible signs of any damage beyond cosmetic blemishes could signal other problems that you cannot see until you take out the tile.
How to choose between refinishing and replacing hardwood floors
When you have a pet or children that get moisture on the floor, then you can sand out stains, cover them with a rug, or move furniture to hide the mark. You can also choose to replace that section of the floor by removing a few planks and using some of the leftovers from the installation. HGTV says that when your floor sags or you know you have problems that lay beneath the surface, then you should always opt for contracting an expert to replace your hardwoods. Otherwise, sand and refinish to save money and retain the authentic character of the home.
When your carpet is beyond cleaning
Business Insider says as a rule of thumb that you want to replace any carpet over ten years old. By this time, ground-in dirt, wear, pet stains, and traffic will break down the fibers. After a decade, allergens and dust are deep in the padding.
When do you get rid of laminate flooring?
There are four times when you should replace a part or all of your laminate floor. When you see any sign of cracking or peeling, then you should investigate the problem to see if it extends across the entire surface. Peaking is where the floor rises up and mounds causing an uneven floor. Any gaps may be a sign of glue issues or problems with the sub-layer meaning that you might want to have an expert inspect it to help you make the best decision.
Replacing natural floors
Floors made from bamboo or cork can show damage much faster than traditional flooring choices when there are pets in the home or lots of foot traffic. The heavier the animal, the faster the marks and punctures will show up. DIY says that you can refinish bamboo floors just like cork. The life of the product depends on the humidity, traffic, and animal damage.
How long will marble and other stone tile last?
Without flooding or improper installation, your marble floor could last decades before you need to replace it. Many factors affect your marble surface. How often you clean the floor, what you clean it with, the traffic flow, and the environment all create a natural patina. Over time, dingy and dull floors can become unsightly. Marble floors require strict maintenance and care. The rock is porous and soaks up water and cleaning agents. Knowing how to seal the flooring is one of the biggest ways to prevent replacing the floor and helping it last generations.
Average cost to replace floors
HomeAdvisor says that the average cost to replace flooring ranges between $200 and $10,000 depending on the square footage you are covering and the floor type. Most people spend under $3,000 to replace the floors in a home, but these costs fluctuate between $1,000 and $4,000. Again, the price range is wide because of flooring choices and the size of the replacement.
Tips for extending the life of each flooring type
- Carpet – Regular cleaning from a professional or using a steam cleaner every six months, use Scotchguard, blot stains, use with quality padding
- Stone – Seal often, immediately clean up spills, stick to routine cleaning schedule
- Ceramic – Avoid using products like grape juice, wine, and tomato sauce as much as possible, use appropriate cleaners, soak up spills fast
- Laminate – Wax and seal, wash and rinse with minimal water, mop up liquids quickly, avoid using extremely hot objects on the floor because the glue underneath the laminate tile can loosen and shift
- Hardwood – Damp mop mostly, use an appropriate wax for the wood type, avoid humid conditions, quickly clean spills, do not roll heavy equipment or furniture across the wood
- Natural flooring – Immediate spill response, no large pets
You can replace sections of your floor in most cases. When there are signs of other problems besides appearance and normal wear, then it is advisable to call in an expert. You can get an estimate for free and call as many companies as you like to find the source of the issue. When you install your new floor, proper maintenance and care can help you extend the life of the flooring to the maximum.
References:
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/tile-flooring-rip-or-just-replace.htm
http://www.businessinsider.com/when-to-replace-everything-in-your-house-2015-12
https://customfurnitureflooring.com/when-to-replace-your-laminate-flooring/
https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/floors/the-pros-and-cons-of-bamboo-flooring
https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/when-hardwood-floors-are-worth-saving
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/flooring/install-flooring/
https://www.thespruce.com/pros-and-cons-of-marble-kitchen-flooring-1314997