How to Repair a Floor With a Handyman
If you have a damaged floor, there are several ways to repair it. Depending on the cause of the damage, the amount of work required can range from simple patching to a complete replacement. Some of the most common types of flooring damage are cracks, gouges, dents, and warped floors. The cost of floor repair depends on the severity of the problem, the type of flooring, the materials involved and the geographic area where it is located.
Typically, repairing a damaged floor involves either ripping up the damaged area or replacing the material. The amount of work and materials needed to fix a floor will vary based on the issue, but the most common costs are for joists, subflooring, and the substrate. In general, you should not expect to pay more than half of the replacement cost to repair a damaged floor.
For floors that are affected by water, the damage may range from minor to serious. The problem can cause an entire room to have water damage, or it can be localized. If the damage is caused by a single plank buckle or a small area of water, you can usually remedy the damage with a small amount of patching. However, if the damage is severe, you might have to replace the whole floor.
Most types of floors can be repaired. Laminate floors and wood floors can be fixed with a table saw, a circular saw, a drill and wood glue. If you have a floating vinyl floor, you can remove it and replace it with a new tile or plank.
You can also fill deep scratches with a wood repair wax stick. If the stains are from latex or oil-based materials, you might need to apply mineral spirits or bleach to lighten them. If the stains are from a polyurethane finish, you will have to use paste wax. You can find paste wax in honey or clear to match the color of your floor.
When repairing your wood floor, you will have to decide how much you are willing to spend. You should also be prepared to hire a professional who has the right experience and expertise to handle any situation. You will have to discuss the details of the job with the handyman before starting the project.
If your floor is sagging, you may have to replace the joists that run horizontally below the subflooring. If the joists are too far apart, the weight of the room above them will push the flooring down. Alternatively, you can brace the joists to keep the floor from sagging. In some cases, you can use an epoxy-based filler to repair the damage. This is especially helpful if the damage is on a deep level. You should let the epoxy-based filler cure before proceeding with the rest of the repairs.
When you have a floor that is damaged, you need to get the job done quickly. The longer you delay, the more expensive it will be to fix the problem. Having a reputable St. Pete handyman come out to assess the floor is the best way to avoid unnecessary costs. You can also find companies that offer free quotes.