11 Signs It’s Time for a New Floor
Aug 15, 2022
Depending on the material, floors can last for a long time. Unfortunately, however, they don’t last forever, so it’s important for homeowners to keep an eye out for these signs that it’s time to replace the floor.
#1
Your Floor Is Noisy When You Walk on It
Creaking or squeaking when you walk on the floor could be a sign it’s time for a new one. If the noise is confined to one area, then you might just have a loose nail or need to replace a floorboard. However, if it’s widespread, especially if your floor is older, it may be time to get a new floor. This could be a sign that the floor is rotting.
#2
Your Floor Smells Bad
If you smell bad odors coming from your floor and cleaning won’t get rid of them, this is a sign you may need to replace your floor. This occurs most often in households that have pets, whose accidents may seep into the subfloor and cause a smell. Other accidents, such as spills or water damage, could also cause a bad odor.
#3
You Have Allergies
If you have allergies to things like dust, mold, and pollen and are finding that you are having more and more allergic reactions inside your home, your floors could be the culprit. Older flooring, especially carpeting, can harbor germs and mold that can cause allergic reactions.
#4
Your Flooring Is Discolored
Whether your floor is carpet or wood, discoloration and stains that don’t come out are signs that it’s time for a new floor. Stains not only impact the look of your floor but can also indicate that there’s a problem that could cause an allergic reaction or other health problems. For example, some floor discoloration could be an indication of mold or water damage.
#5
Your Floor Is Cracked
Over time, certain types of flooring may start to crack. For example, if you have hardwood floors that have seen a lot of wear and tear or have been sanded down so that they’re too thin, cracks may appear in the floor. A floor with cracks in it is damaged and should be replaced.
#6
Your Floor Isn’t Flat
Floors should be completely flat. If the floor is warped or has sections that are coming up, it’s time to get a new floor.
#7
Your Floor Is Scratched
Scratches are also signs of wear and tear that should indicate you need to replace your floor. Scratches can happen over time as the floor is used.
#8
Your Floor Is Water Damaged
If a pipe bursts or water leaks in from the roof when it rains, then water could also damage your floors. Signs of water damage can include mold or mildew, bad smells, or, in the case of certain hard floors, warping.
#9
Your Floor Has Exposed Nail Heads
If there are exposed nail heads, it’s possible that repairs may be able to fix the problem. However, this is often a sign that it’s time to replace the floor entirely if there are a lot of exposed nails. Exposed nail heads can snag on socks, skirts, and pants. They can also cause a lot of pain to anyone who catches their foot on one.
#10
Your Floors Are Old
How long your floor lasts before it needs to be replaced depends on the type of floor it is.
- Carpet: 5 to 15 years
- Laminate: 10 to 30 years
- Vinyl: 10 to 20 years
- Hardwood: 30 to 100 years
- Tile: 20 to 50 years
#11
Your Floors Are out of Style
Just like clothing and home decor, flooring has trends, too. If your floorings were trendy when they were installed but no longer are, you may want to consider updating your flooring. There are new styles and new, more durable, and longer-lasting materials out there that may be more to your taste now. If you’re tired of your floor’s appearance, consider updating it.