Call Today For An Appointment 1-888-945-3566

Click on manufacturer logo to view their site

Caring for Your Hardwood Floors

Wood Flooring

It’s one of the oldest, most natural flooring materials available, so it’s no wonder wood has stood as the most popular choices among homeowners.  Wood has had a reputation for bringing depth, versatility, and tradition to the home.  Wood floors increase the value of your home while at the same time giving you the warmth of nature. In a recent national real-estate survey 90% of agents stated that homes with hardwood flooring sold faster and appraised higher than homes without hardwood floors.  Being a natural resource wood floors are ecologically friendly, which means they are renewable and recyclable. The are also great for allergy sufferers since they do not produce allergens.  Hardwood floors are rumored to tedious in maintaining their beauty, but contrary to popular belief, new technology in  finishes that offer better protection and easier cleaning for your floors.

Installation

Installation of a hardwood floor can be a messy situation, which usually results in some wood dust and mild wall damage.  Although our installers use a dust containment system there will still be a small amount that gets released into the home.  Slight damage to the paint on the walls is a common occurrence and requires touch ups after the job is done.  For remodel homes this is done by the homeowner and for new construction should be done by your painters.  Unfortunately we cannot contain 100% of the dust or guarantee that their will not be markings on the walls, but our installers take pride in their work and will do their best to protect your home.

What to Expect from you Hardwood Floors

Generally, wood flooring is expected to SHRINK in dry climates or when it is exposed to dry conditions.  Also wood flooring is expected to EXPAND in the wetter climates or when it is exposed to wet conditions.  It is normal for the interior of the home to become dry during heating seasons for obvious reasons.  Under this circumstance wood floors also dry out and shrink slightly.  Wood floors should be expected to have normal gaps, separations between edges of flooring pieces, in dry months in most areas of North America.  A normal gap is categorized as having the thickness of stationary to the thickness of a quarter and that they close up during the season associated with higher humidity, or the non-heating season.

Maintenance

What To Do

· Vacuum or sweep floor regularly. General cleaning once a week is recommended.

 · Remove spills promptly!

 · Place mats at exterior doors to trap sand and grit. Use area rugs in high traffic areas, at the ends of steps and near doorways. Avoid rubber backing or non-ventilated rugs.

 · Maintain a consistent humidity level between heating seasons in all living areas.  Excessive swings in humidity levels will cause hardwood floors to swell, shrink, cup, crack and show gaps between boards.

What not to do

· Don’t let sand, dirt or grit build up.  They act like sandpaper and dull the finish on your floor.

 · Don’t damp mop hardwood floors.  Too much water can cause the floor to swell or warp.

 · Don’t let your pets’ claws go untrimmed.  Proper claw trimming helps avoid scratches and gouges.

 · Don’t walk on your hardwood floor in high heels, and keep heels in good condition.

Suggested Products

TO USE:

1) Vacuum, dry mop, or sweep to remove any loose dirt.  The best way of removing loose dirt is to vacuum with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum.

2) Spray, lightly mist a small area of your floor. A 4’x6’ area is small enough.

3) Clean, using a micro fiber cloth clean the floors surface. Always Finish one area before moving on to the next. When micro fiber cloth become soiled rinse well with water and thoroughly wring out and continue cleaning.  When it becomes excessively soiled wash in the washing machine.

Do not use any fabric softeners, dryer sheets or bleach on micro fiber cloths as they will diminish the natural cleaning characteristics of the cloth.

When a spill occurs, soak up the liquid right away. Mist the area with cleaner, and wipe with a micro fiber cloth.