There are many benefits to homes and businesses being outfitted with hardwood flooring. It is gorgeous in nearly any room, it is hypo-allergenic, increases property value, and is fairly easy to maintain. The cost of hardwood floors is often one of the more pricier options for flooring because of the manufacturing, including harvesting, transporting, drying, cutting, finishing, and transporting again. A properly installed hardwood floor that is properly maintained can potentially last a lifetime. However, despite the benefits of wood flooring, there is a need to invest in wood floor inspection services. Today, we at Mike’s Custom Flooring would like to discuss why you need a wood floor inspection.

When to Call for a Hardwood Flooring Inspection

1) Before installing a wood floor. With the desirable aesthetics of the many types of hardwood flooring options, from type of wood, to the color of the finish, you may be attracted to a type of wood species that will not do well in a particular room. For example, Brazilian Cherry wood floor is stunning, you may be head over heals for it. After researching the cost for installing and the Janka rating, you are sold on this specific wood type. However, if you want this specific wood floor in a room with a sliding glass door or a large window, the floor will not be an optimal selection because Brazilian Cherry will darken in areas that is exposed to direct sunlight. Getting the insight of a professional, certified wood flooring inspector can save you from wasting money on a choice that is not ideal but can present alternatives to your preferred option.
2) After the hardwood floor installation. After getting your wood floor installed, investing in a wood inspection can save you headaches down the road. After spending the good money to install the wood floor, at the very least, having the peace of mind that the floor will last can be a relief. The inspector can potentially save you from issues that might arise over time. The inspector will evaluate and test the crawlspaces, concrete slabs, sub-floors, basements, and floor joists for the integrity and identify problems that will impact the wood floor. Additionally, possible moisture concerns can be addressed before any damage occurs, saving you considerably in replacement and repairs.
3) Before buying a home. Much like a general home inspector to check the ins and outs of the home, the wood floor inspector has specialized training and certification to identify the extent of the condition of your wood floors. During the inspection, water damage, mold issues, quality of the wood floor, current repairs, or inevitable repairs can be given to you prior to buying a new home that is saturated in wood floors giving you the upper hand for negotiations if there are problems, or if the problems are major, you can bow out before signing on the dotted line and dealing with catastrophic dilemma once the home is yours.

Hardwood Floor Problems Found During an Inspection

Common problems found in a wood floor inspection include:
– Crowning: Crowning is when the center of a board is higher than its edges.
Cupping: Cupping is when the surface of the board forms a concave shape. This often occurs when the sides of flooring are higher than the center of the boards.
– Finish Problems: At time of installation or when a maintenance refinish is not done properly the finish can experience a number of issues.
– Gaps: Gaps are when the boards are not fitted snugly. This can be created because of poor installation or the gaps can develop over time when the boards shift, expand, and retract.
– Splits: Splits in the boards can happen when they experience overly, long-term conditions.

Hardwood Floor Services & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA

No matter why you need a wood floor inspection, Mike’s Custom Flooring is certified to provide a comprehensive wood floor inspection and deliver a formal written report of the service. Call us today to schedule your wood floor inspection or other quality hardwood flooring service.