The finish on your hardwood floors creates a barrier between the wood and assorted damage, including pet nails and moisture. However, a time will come when the flooring needs refinishing to continue protecting the wood underneath. Below are signs telling you to schedule hardwood floor refinishing services now. 

When to Schedule Hardwood Floor Refinishing 

1. Grayish Wood

Some homeowners mistakenly believe that gray hardwood floors are a sign of aging, but really it means the polyurethane finish is wearing off. Exposed wood flooring becomes subject to moisture damage from spilled water and drinks, tracked-in rainwater, and droplets on pet paws. Without timely hardwood floor refinishing services, gray wood will turn black.  

2. Excessive Scratching

Your floor’s finish sustains scratches and scuffs instead of the wood from factors such as pet nails, high-heeled footwear, and not using furniture pads before moving furnishings throughout the home. 

If you’ve noticed a significant number of scratches on your wood floors or have bought numerous area rugs to cover them up, get the flooring sanded and refinished to enjoy a like-new, scratch-free sheen. 

3. Water Damage

Gray coloring isn’t the only water damage hardwood floors can sustain. They can also warp due to serious moisture contact from a burst plumbing pipe, malfunctioning water-using appliance, or other flood sources. If water damage occurs around the edges, the wood lifts.

If damage occurs in the center of the floor, the middle planks lift or “crown.” Severe warping generally requires plank replacement and refinishing nearby wood with water stains. 

4. Fading

Wood flooring exposed to UV rays on a daily basis eventually fades, which is more noticeable if the material was originally a rich, dark hue. Refinishing services can include applying a new stain that restores the flooring’s appearance; inquire about stains or finishes with UV protection, and consider investing in window treatments or film with UV blockers to maintain your “new” floors. 

If it’s time for hardwood floor refinishing services, make an appointment with JT’s Floor Refinishing. The flooring contractors in Springfield, MA, serve residents from Hartford, CT, to the Pioneer Valley, offering refinishing and repairs that keep hardwood looking pristine. Call (413) 788-6149 today to request an estimate or learn more about refinishing services online.