Floor Repair in Columbus, OH

Hardwood floors often show damage in predictable ways. Look for scratches that penetrate the finish or reach the wood itself. Deep gouges or dents typically result from heavy furniture or dropped objects.

Water stains appear as dark discoloration with raised edges. Cupping occurs when edges are higher than the center of boards, while crowning shows the opposite pattern with centers higher than edges.

Squeaky areas or movement when walking may indicate loose boards or fasteners. Fading or discoloration often happens from sun exposure over time.

We use specialized tools to measure wood moisture content, as fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction. Boards with splits or cracks usually need individual replacement rather than just refinishing.

Laminate flooring damage has distinct characteristics that differ from hardwood. Water damage appears as swelling or bubbling at the seams where moisture has penetrated.

Chips and cracks in the wear layer expose the core material underneath. Look for delamination where the top layer separates from the base.

Check for clicking sounds or movement when walking across the floor. These often indicate problems with the locking system between planks.

Faded sections show where UV exposure has affected the printed layer. Peaking occurs when adjacent boards push against each other, creating a raised area at the joints.

Common Laminate Issues:

• Chipped edges or corners
• Separation between planks
• Warping from moisture
• Scratches in wear layer
• Locking mechanism failures

Tile floors require inspection of both the tiles themselves and the grout lines between them. Hollow sounds when tapped indicate tiles that have lost adhesion to the subfloor.

Cracked tiles often result from subfloor movement or impact damage. Examine grout lines for crumbling, missing sections, or discoloration which may indicate moisture issues.

Loose tiles will rock slightly when pressure is applied. Check for lippage where adjacent tiles aren't level with each other.

Stained or permanently dirty-looking grout may need replacement rather than cleaning. We use moisture meters to detect hidden water issues beneath tile floors that could lead to more significant problems.

Efflorescence—white powdery residue on grout—signals water migration through concrete beneath the tile.

Vinyl and linoleum floors show distinct patterns of wear and damage. Tears and cuts in the surface are common in high-traffic areas or from dragging furniture.

Look for curling edges, especially near walls or transitions. This indicates adhesive failure or moisture problems underneath.

Discoloration from sunlight, chemicals, or rubber-backed mats is permanent in most cases. Check for bubbles or ripples in the surface which suggest either improper installation or water damage.

Vinyl floors often show wear paths in high-traffic areas where the wear layer has been compromised. We inspect the seams carefully, as these are vulnerable points for moisture intrusion.

Linoleum may develop a yellowish cast from oxidation or show cracks as it ages and becomes brittle.

Subfloor problems often manifest as issues in the visible flooring above. Squeaking, bouncing, or uneven sections typically indicate subfloor deficiencies.

We check for sagging between floor joists which creates dips or valleys in the floor surface. Soft spots when walking suggest possible water damage or rot in wood subfloors.

Concrete subfloors may develop cracks that telegraph through to tile or vinyl flooring. Moisture testing is crucial for concrete slabs to ensure they're dry enough for new flooring installation.

Common Subfloor Issues:

• Uneven surfaces requiring leveling
• Rotted sections needing replacement
• Inadequate thickness causing flex
• Improper fastening to joists
• Moisture damage requiring remediation

Scratches and minor dents in hardwood floors can often be addressed through light sanding and refinishing. For deeper gouges, we carefully fill them with wood putty matched to your floor's color before refinishing.

Water damage requires quick action - we first ensure complete drying using industrial dehumidifiers. For buckled boards, we can often restore them if caught early. Severely warped planks need replacement, which we handle by precisely matching your existing wood species and grain pattern.

Sun-faded areas can be revitalized through careful sanding and application of new stain to match the original color. For engineered wood with thin veneer layers, we use specialized light sanding techniques to avoid damaging the top layer.

Laminate and vinyl floors need different repair approaches than real wood. For damaged laminate planks, replacement is typically the best solution. We carefully remove the affected pieces and install matching new ones without disturbing surrounding areas.

Vinyl plank floors with minor tears can sometimes be repaired with specialized vinyl patching compounds. For deeper damage, we can replace individual planks by unlocking the floor's click-lock system.

Water damage to laminate requires immediate attention as the core can quickly swell. We assess the damage extent and can often replace just the affected planks. For vinyl, we check for subfloor moisture issues and address them before installing new materials.

Cracked ceramic or porcelain tiles require careful removal to prevent damaging adjacent pieces. We gently extract broken tiles, prepare the subfloor, and install matching replacements. For antique or discontinued tiles, we can help source closely matched alternatives.

Loose grout is removed and replaced with new, color-matched material. For stained grout, we use professional-grade cleaners before applying sealants to prevent future discoloration.

Natural stone floors with chips or cracks can often be repaired using specialized epoxy fillers matched to the stone's color and pattern. Dull stone surfaces are revitalized through professional polishing techniques.

Concrete floors with cracks or surface damage can be transformed through proper repair techniques. We fill cracks with specialized concrete patching compounds before grinding the surface smooth.

For stained or discolored concrete, we offer grinding and polishing services that reveal fresh concrete beneath. Concrete surfaces can be finished with stains, sealers, or epoxy coatings for durability and aesthetics.

Epoxy floor systems with bubbles or peeling require surface preparation before reapplication. We properly clean and etch the concrete to ensure strong adhesion of new epoxy coatings.

Uneven concrete floors can be leveled using self-leveling compounds, creating a perfect surface for new flooring installations. Our concrete repairs include proper curing time to ensure maximum durability.

Subfloor problems often manifest as squeaky floors or uneven surfaces. We locate and secure loose subfloor panels with specialized screws designed to eliminate movement and noise.

Water-damaged subfloors require evaluation for structural integrity and potential mold growth. We remove compromised materials, treat surrounding areas for mold prevention, and install new moisture-resistant panels.

For sagging or damaged floor joists, we install reinforcement systems like sister joists or support columns. Severe cases may require complete joist replacement, which we perform with minimal disruption to your home.

Proper subfloor preparation is essential before installing new flooring. We address uneven areas using leveling compounds and ensure transitions between rooms are smooth and properly supported for lasting results.