Sooner or later, our flooring will need replacing. Whether it’s due to wear and tear or subfloor damage, there are lots of signs your floor needs replacing you can look out for. If you spot any of these 13 unlucky signs, it could be time to replace your floor.
1) Wear and tear
One of the first signs to look out for is excessive wear and tear. While some flooring, such as luxury vinyl tiles, is durable and hardwearing, it is not invincible. Despite its long lifespan, there will come a time when the floor has reached its peak.
Depending on the type of flooring will determine the wear and tear. For example, a carpet in a living room may have loose or scuffed fibres. Luxury vinyl and vinyl flooring may have scratches from wearing the top protective layer.
Wear and tear occurs naturally. The longer the flooring is down, the more likely it is to show signs of wear and tear. In certain situations, replacing the flooring is the only suitable option.
2) Water damage
Water damage is another sign that it could be time to replace your flooring. It is most likely to occur in rooms with plumbing, such as kitchens and bathrooms, but a leak can lead to water damage anywhere in your home.
While some flooring is waterproof (like vinyl), it is not impenetrable to water. Improper joinings or a leak underneath the floor can cause water damage to your floor. The more water, the greater the damage.
Water damage often showcases unsightly signs, such as bubbling, cracking, mould, or warping. Any floor that experiences extensive water damage has probably had its day. If the source of the water damage was a leak, this will need addressing to prevent further structural damage.
3) Stains
Spillages and accidents are an all too frequent occurrence. Whether it’s something dropped in the kitchen, spilt wine, or pets, stains can happen for many reasons. Depending on the severity of the stain will determine if the floor needs replacing.
Small stains can typically be dealt with without needing to replace the floor. Whether using a suitable cleaner or concealing the stain, replacing the floor in this situation can be avoided. However, larger stains that can’t be cleaned or concealed will mean replacing the floor.
4) Discolouration
If your flooring shows signs of discolouration, it could be another sign that it’s time to replace it. Discolouration can happen for several reasons, such as wearing carpet fibres, constant exposure to direct sunlight, or natural fading.
The unappealing look of discoloured flooring could be a reason to change, whether the discolouration happens in patches or across a wide floor area. In some cases, if the colouring has faded drastically, it may no longer fit with your interior décor either.
5) Soft spots
Soft spots are another of our signs your floor needs replacing. When walking across the floor, you may feel some soft spots underfoot. This is not a problem you should ignore, as it could be a sign of a serious subfloor problem.
Soft spots can also indicate that the flooring is rotting or has received excessive wear and tear. This can lead to more serious problems, in which case replacing your flooring will be the only alternative. If subfloor problems are the cause, you must address them as quickly as possible.
6) Noise
The squeak of a floorboard or the creak of luxury vinyl tiles are annoying problems that can happen to anyone. If you experience these noises coming from your floor, it could be another sign your floor needs replacing.
Floors can make noise for several reasons. Improper installation, loosening of floorboards, or wearing of adhesive are all factors that can lead to a noisy floor. In this case, the flooring is either wearing out or there’s damage to the subfloor. Any problems will need to be addressed, and the flooring will need to be replaced.
7) Scratches and gouges
Scratches and gouges can happen to any hard flooring, including vinyl. While these floors have a protective layer, they can still be damaged. Moving furniture, dirt and debris, or certain footwear tend to be the biggest culprits.
Furniture is moved around all the time, whether to change things or for cleaning. However, moving heavy furniture comes with the risk of creating scratches and gouges. The deeper they go, the worse they look and the more damaging they can be. If replacing an affected area is impossible, you may need to replace the entire floor.
8) Change of interior décor
Our personal style evolves, and sometimes a space just needs a refresh. Since flooring is a foundational element that sets the tone for a room, it makes sense to choose one that reflects your unique taste.
However, unlike paint or furniture, flooring is a more permanent decision. If your vision for the space transforms down the line, the flooring might need to adapt along with it. Otherwise, a mismatch between your décor and flooring can create a disjointed look.
9) Musty or damp smell
Are you experiencing a musty or damp smell coming from your flooring? If so, this is another sign that your floor may need replacing. Moisture and dampness are two of the biggest causes of bad odours. Certain substances that have soaked into the floor can also cause a smell.
Sometimes, a subfloor problem can cause a musty or damp smell. If this is the case, you will need to remove the floor and investigate further.
10) Bumps or dips
Bumps and dips are another sign that your floor might need replacing. Depending on your flooring type, you may not notice any bumps or dips until you walk over them.
Bumps or dips in flooring like this can be a sign of an uneven or sunken subfloor. In these circumstances, it can lead to further subfloor and structural damage and a ruined floor if not repaired.
11) Allergy problems
Do you have asthma or an allergy? If you do, some flooring types can worsen your allergy or asthma. In some cases, this can cause serious health implications. One problem that could be causing allergy problems is your flooring choice.
Soft-surface flooring options are typically a bad choice for those with allergies or asthma. That’s because dust mites, allergens, and other reactants can harbour in the carpet fibres. Even vacuuming won’t remove hidden or deep-rooted microscopic allergens.
If you’ve experienced an unexplained flare-up in allergies or asthma lately, your flooring could be to blame. If this is the case, switching to allergy-friendly flooring, such as vinyl, could be the solution.
12) Cracks, gaps, and tears
When you want your home to look cosy, clean, and inviting, a big crack or tear can significantly impact the feel of a room. Such damage to a floor can also lead to further problems, such as trip hazards, or water damage.
Cracks, gaps, and tears can occur on a floor for several reasons. Continual changes in room temperature, wearing adhesives, subfloor problems, and normal wear and tear are all possible causes. If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to replace your flooring.
13) Uncomfortable underfoot
The last of our signs your floor needs replacing is that it is uncomfortable underfoot. This last sign can be subjective and will differ from person to person. But if your flooring feels uncomfortable to walk or stand on for long periods, it’s a sign the floor could need replacing.
Several causes of uncomfortable flooring include unevenness, hardening, or gradual wear and tear. When we want our homes to be comfortable environments, these problems can be a burden. If you experience this problem, it could be time for your floor to go.
Have you experienced any of these unlucky 13 signs your floor needs replacing? If so, it’s important to first check for any underlying subfloor problems to ensure you have a solid foundation for your new flooring. If your flooring does need replacing, make sure you opt for a professional flooring contractor to complete the work.