Written by Tom Scalishi | Published 4:09 PM, October 5, 2021

Your floor problem may not be as unique as you think. Floors come in many shapes, sizes, styles and materials, and everyone has their own favorite type. Some people like the comfort of carpets, while others like the clean, rustic appearance of hardwoods. In some areas, large tiles extend from one end of the house to the other. Although floors may be unique, they pose different problems for DIYers and homeowners. Here are eight common floor problems that can occur at any time, and suggestions on how to solve them.

Although they are beautiful and warm, wooden floors may make a loud squeak. Typically, hardwood squeaks when it dries and shrinks, leaving room for the floor to move. When the boards move under the feet, they rub against the nails that hold them, causing squeaks and groans.

The easiest way to repair a squeaky floor is to find the culprit and sprinkle baby powder or graphite powder on the squeaky area, such as powder graphite lubricant from AGS Automotive Solutions. Be sure to apply powder between the plates to ensure it penetrates and stop the squeaking.

Loose tiles from the floor is another common tile floor problem that plagues DIYers, and it can happen for several reasons. For example, the tile installer may have used the wrong tile backing material. If he puts them on plywood or wooden floors, both will bend and may cause the tiles to loosen. In addition, the installer may have used the wrong Thinset or mastic, or they may just have not applied it correctly.

DIYers must first determine the problem before they can repair the tiles. If the problem is poor adhesion, grind or chop the existing thin layer on the floor and tiles, and then use the correct product. If there is a plywood subfloor, it may be necessary to remove the tiles, lay the cement board, and then reinstall the tiles.

Related: Here are all the ways you accidentally damage your tiles

One problem that people in humid climates may encounter is bending of the floor. When wooden floors absorb too much moisture (from leaks or moisture) and cause them to expand, buckling occurs. Since each board is locked between several other boards, it can only move upwards, causing each floor to be fastened to each other.

The first step in dealing with warped floors is to control humidity. Dehumidifiers can work miracles, although it may take a few days to make an impact. (For example, the Frigidaire 70 pint dehumidifier is the best overall choice in our research guide to the best dehumidifier for basements.) If the dehumidifier does not solve the problem, it may be necessary to remove the buckle floor and replace it.

Related: New floor? 5 top hardwood options you need to know

Tile floors are durable and wear-resistant, but if someone accidentally drops a heavy vase, bowling ball, or any number of hard, heavy objects, these tiles may crack or chip. Not only does this look terrible, but it is also a safety issue for bare feet—and a trip hazard.

The only way to properly repair a broken or damaged tile is to replace it. Wearing gloves and safety glasses, carefully remove the tiles with a hammer and masonry chisel. All existing Thinset chips are also integrated. Save a tile as a reference for comparing new tiles in the home improvement center. After you find a replacement, use a suitable thin plate to put it in place.

Related: The best choice for bathroom floor tiles in 2021

If scratched floors bother your home, then you are not alone. The wear of furniture legs, high-speed pets, and frequent wear can affect the finishes and even the actual floor material. With a little elbow grease, you can get back to normal on the weekend.

The scratch repair method depends on the scratch. The light yellow light is wiped off with floor cleaner and cloth. For deeper scratches that have not fully penetrated the wood, clean the floor and apply a floor freshener. For scratches, try using wood scratch cover, walnut or matching stains before using hardwood restorer.

Repairing deeper scratches may take more than a weekend because the floor may require a complete hardwood repair. This includes peeling the entire floor, sanding the affected area, staining and sealing the floor.

Related: The best dyeable wood filler for repairs

Everyone likes natural light, and the more light in our home, the better. However, the sunlight pouring down through the windows can fade the hardwood floors, causing discoloration and muddy.

For hardwood floors that fade from the sun, the simplest solution is to use a water-based freshener, such as Rejuvenate's professional wood floor repair agent. These products are designed to restore luster, color and luster to faded or aged floors. Simply apply the product on the surface with a sponge and wipe it gently to restore the beauty of the floor.

Believe it or not, cracks on the surface of concrete are absolutely normal. But just because this is normal does not mean you have to endure cracks in the floor.

Fortunately, repairing cracks in concrete is relatively easy. First, use a masonry chisel to cut the entire crack into a V shape. Then, use concrete crack sealant to fill the cracks and seal them. For example, Sashco's Slab concrete crack repair sealant is one of the best performing products in our research guide to the best concrete crack fillers. Make sure to match the color of the sealant with the existing concrete to facilitate repair and fusion.

Unfortunately, one of the most common floor problems is also one of the hardest to fix. When the support frame under the floor starts to deteriorate due to aging or moisture, the floor sinks. This may come from rotten pillars, weakened beams or many other problems.

No matter what the problem is, it is important to find out the cause and solve it. Decayed columns can be replaced with concrete tie rods, and weakened joists can be connected to new wood to provide greater strength. Generally speaking, in both cases, the existing frame needs to be jacked up with a bottle jack, which may be easier to handle than some DIYers. If this is the case, be sure to call a professional to resolve the problem before it is too late.

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