Just like any other commodity, tiles also tend to deteriorate over time. Having said that, it is only after a long time that any change in their appearance is observed. However, the vital thing to keep in mind here is that while tiles barely require any maintenance, nothing comes with a lifetime warranty. Hence, spotting the signs early on is always better than waiting until most damage is done. 

Whether you live in an independent house or an apartment, the foot traffic and usage over time will affect on your floors. It is humanly impossible to avoid spills, stains, or cracks forever even with utmost care. A great way to step up your prevention outlook is to start with these five imminent signs that tell you that your home needs new flooring. 

If you observe any of these signs, don’t wait any longer and change the flooring right away. Faulty flooring is a safety hazard and should be avoided at all costs. 

Signs That Tell Your Floors Need Changing 

1.    Damage Is Quite Visible 

If you notice that your floor tiles are visibly cracked or worn out, it is time to change. Cracks could occur due to moisture during the monsoon or on dropping of something heavy. Either way, you must ensure the replacement of the cracked tiles. 

Fortunately, with tiles, you just need to replace the cracked ones unlike natural stone. For instance, if you have two cracked tiles, you can go to your nearest tile showroom and purchase two tiles to install them in the same area. 

2.    Your Allergies Are Playing Up 

The environment and ambience at home are the safest and the cleanest compared to the outside. However, if you feel that your allergies are getting the better of you for some reason, it is time you switched to germ-free tiles. 

Today, you indeed have an option for germ-free tiles that are made using a special glaze that keeps the germs and microorganisms away. You also have the option to choose an antibacterial tile. 

3.    Flooring Starts Getting Uneven 

The flooring of a house should be even. A little hint of unevenness, and you are mostly looking at remodeling. If you find that there is a slight dip in one part of the flooring compared to another part, then your floors are uneven. This is absolutely a call for floor reinstallation. 

Besides the visual aspect, uneven flooring also brings grave issues like water pooling, which can harbour multiple infections. It also serves as an identification of the packing beneath giving way. It is better to be safe than sorry. 

4.    Your Flooring Has Become Dated 

With changing times, even the tile trends are changing. Amidst thousands of choices just in style and patterns, you are looking at a manifold updating and modernization of the tiles as well. To keep up with the times, you can opt for a tile change but it's not completely mandatory. However, a little change in the way your house looks can prove a good investment in the long term. Moreover, you can get them in a variety of budgets – all from the comfort of your home.  

5.    Flooring Is Rotting 

If you have hardwood flooring in your home and you notice rotting, that’s an urgent call for replacement. This can open Pandora's box of issues with germs, termites, and so on. If you love the look and feel of hardwood flooring, you can always opt for wood-look tiles or wooden tiles instead of natural wood while reinstalling the flooring. That way, you easily avoid the risk of floor rotting, all while getting the ambience of hardwood flooring. 

Changing your flooring from time to time is a good habit, as it can prevent issues like sub-flooring damage or floor rotting, which, in turn, lead to bigger issues that can affect the base of the floor. An excellent option, in this case, is to go for long-lasting tiles. They are easier to replace the next time you see a crack and save you the cost of entire floor reinstallation. In the meantime, make sure you are on the lookout for these persistent and evident signs if your flooring is well into many years. A little caution can save you big time! 

Author Bio:

Isha Tandon has worked within the architecture and interior design industry as a flooring consultant expert – specializing in tiles, stones, and terrazzo. She has worked with Orientbell Limited, a leading tile manufacturer in India, as a product development manager in the design team and has recently joined the marketing team as their digital content expert. Her experience comes in handy in understanding the audience as she creates value-driven functional & informational content for the readers. She creates lifestyle pieces that focus on interior design products, trends, and processes. She loves to travel to historic places with rich architecture.