Several signs of wear and age can indicate it’s a good time to replace your commercial flooring. Here are a few of the easiest ways to figure out whether your business needs new flooring.
Warping and Cupping
Hardwoods, laminates, and even vinyl flooring can be susceptible to this type of damage. Generally caused by long-term water exposure, warping refers to the wavy or otherwise non-flat appearance of hard or certain types of soft flooring. Hardwoods are the type of commercial flooring most likely to encounter this issue, and it can occur whether actual water is present on the floor or subfloor. In high-humidity spaces, the problem can also arise because wood can absorb moisture. While occasional humidity spikes may not damage a floor overnight, prolonged high humidity from commercial kitchens or poorly ventilated areas can lead to this issue. When warping and cupping occur, it’s quite challenging to refinish a hardwood floor. Since refinishing involves sanding and polishing wood, the lack of levelness created by these issues renders that impossible. In these cases, commercial flooring replacement is necessary.
Laminate flooring is made of wood and plant fibers, and while it’s sealed with substances intended to reduce the risk of water damage, it can also be harmed by water. Improperly installed laminate flooring (like laminate installed directly on concrete subflooring) can also show signs of warping and cupping. The same applies to laminate in humid environments. Although the symptoms of this issue are usually less pronounced in laminate flooring than in hardwood flooring, it’s still likely to be an issue if your commercial space has problems with moisture. Next time, consider commercial vinyl flooring for areas where high humidity levels are a factor.
Discoloration and Stains
Discoloration and staining can occur in many types of commercial flooring, from hardwoods to carpeting. Some of the primary causes of discoloration in flooring include prolonged exposure to UV light (especially in hardwood flooring), the improper use of cleaning chemicals, and high traffic over the course of many years. You may notice that your flooring is changing color or simply losing some of its original coloring. This is especially easy to spot when moving furniture that’s been around for a long time.
Some color loss is to be expected in carpeting or other types of flooring where dyes are employed, but it shouldn’t be extreme. Stains are exactly what you’d expect, and any number of issues can cause them. You can usually mitigate stains by cleaning them immediately, but certain spills or types of damage aren’t so easily fixed. Commercial floor replacement may be necessary when stains become unsightly and start to affect the overall aesthetics of your commercial space. While some are content with imperfections in their flooring, widespread stains may be a sign of underlying damage or advanced age. If you can’t recall when you last had your flooring replaced or refinished and it’s showing significant staining and discoloration, it’s probably time to consider something new.
Scratches and Gouges
Scratches and gouges in floors can be challenging to address. When we say scratches, we’re referring to more shallow and superficial scrapes, and gouges are deeper cuts into the flooring material. Carpeting, cork, tile, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring are all susceptible to this type of damage. No flooring is safe from this damage, and like other types of wear and tear, gouges can lead to further and deeper damage. It’s not something you can just cover up.
Resilient flooring, such as luxury vinyl planks, is designed to resist damage like scratches and dents, but even with proper care, severe damage can still occur. How long does commercial vinyl flooring last? In a commercial setting, high-quality vinyl can last over a decade, even without exceptional maintenance. Well-maintained vinyl flooring (that is, flooring that’s cleaned regularly and kept dry) can last even longer. If you’re working with heavy machinery or items, vinyl may not be the right choice. One of the better options for a dynamic space, such as a workshop or production room, may be rubber or concrete flooring. These types of flooring are more durable against scratches and gouges, and may provide your commercial space with the lifespan it needs.
Time to Replace Your Floors?
No matter what type of commercial flooring you need, when it comes time to replace your current, worn, or aged flooring, look to the experts at Ozburn-Hessey. Contact us by phone or online to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a personalized estimate for your commercial flooring replacement.