If you recently purchased a new home, you may have chosen it for its aesthetic benefits. For example, it may contain hardwood flooring, which is known for its durability and classic appeal. However, its surface can become easily damaged by natural occurrences throughout the house. Here are typical causes of harm that may require professional repairs. 

What Factors Can Damage Hardwood Flooring?

1. Leaking Water

Water is the primary cause of damage to hardwood floors. Moisture can appear through water leaks and dripping air conditioners or washing machines. As a result, it can cause the wood to expand and damage the floor. Cupping occurs when moisture causes a wood board's edges to rise higher than its center. Crowning, the opposite effect, happens when the center of a wood board is higher than its edges. After you identify and eliminate the water source, flooring professionals can resurface or refinish the boards. 

2. Excessive Heat

Natural hardwood flooring tends to react to atmospheric changes, which is why it shrinks when exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods. Long-term exposure to the sun beating down on the surface during the spring and summer can generate wood damage, such as warping and fading. For more sensitive wood, there may also be distinctive color changes. Fortunately, professional refinishing services can delay or remedy such occurrences.      

3. Heavy Traffic

Wood flooring can last for decades, but deep scratches can occur if you drag furniture or other heavy items across its surface. Children and pets can also cause scuff marks that need professional treatment. To restore its original beauty, call a wood floor contractor to refinish or replace damaged hardwood. In more severe cases, they can provide a new flooring installation. 

If you need to install or repair hardwood flooring in your home, turn to Geist Hardwood, Inc. This family-owned and -operated company installs, stains, and refinishes wood flooring for customers throughout Jefferson County, CO. Their team uses the latest equipment for precise applications, providing reliable results that match your home's design. Call (303) 570-9250 to discuss your next project.