The flooring that you install in your home should last several years before you even have to consider replacement. If your flooring isn't lasting that long, chances are, you aren't choosing the type of flooring that will fit into your lifestyle very well. This blog is all about choosing flooring that will fit into your lifestyle and last you many, many years before you have to rip it up and replace it. You will also find tips for keeping it looking like new as it survives the abuse that your family, friends and pets put it through during the course of the year.
When you are renovating an older home, you can be sure that you will find a lot of surprises. Some of these surprises can be the type that mean more work. There are also some that can be hidden treasures. Removing layers of old flooring can often uncover ancient hardwood flooring. These floors can be repaired and restored to give you beautiful wood floors. Here are some tips to restoring wood floors buried beneath layers of carpet and old flooring:
1. Removing Old Carpet And Tack Strips To Expose Wood Floors
Carpet is a material that is commonly installed over old hardwood. It is also very easy to remove. You will just need to start from one side of the room and take it up from the tack strips. Remove the carpet and padding and then the tack stip. If the strip is glued, try to pry it up without damaging the hardwood. Leave any pieces that are glued to get later.
2. Removing Flooring With Glues And Adhesives On Old Hardwood
There are also many flooring materials that are installed with glue, such as tile and linoleum. Some carpets may even have glue on the padding or tack strips. To remove these materials, you will want to gently scrape them up. Leave the glue and any materials that are stubborn. Using a sander, remove the adhesive in layers. Use a vacuum to take up the dust. Repeat the process until you get to the old wood finish. Do not remove too much material and leave the final sanding for later.
3. Dealing With Water Damage And Pieces That Need To Be Replaced
Once you have all the wood flooring exposed, you are likely to find problems like water damage and old repairs. You will want to remove the sections of flooring that are damaged to prepare for repairs. When doing repairs, try to use a material that closely matches the old floors. You can use screws with plugs to fasten new boards. Use a recessed drill bit to make holes in new wood.
4. Sanding And Refinishing To Blend Old Floors With New Repairs
Once you have done repairs, you will be ready to start sanding the floors. If you are doing this yourself, you will want to rent a professional hardwood flooring sander to get and even surface. This is a difficult job, which you may want to hire a professional for. For the finish, choose a color that can blend in repairs with the old flooring.
These are some tips to help you with the restoration of old wood floors you find during renovations. If you need help repairing and refinishing your wood floors, contact a floor finishing contractor like Idaho Hardwood Flooring to help give them a new look.
Share15 January 2016
