Are your hardwood floors cupping? Are they being scratched up daily? The Reno Superstore has encountered so many hardwood flooring horror stories that there is little that surprises us. Properly maintaining your hardwood flooring is the secret to keeping it looking good for years to come. Hardwood floors are a classic and excellent choice, and looking after them is fairly simple and straightforward, although a lot can go wrong. Their maintenance is something you should never take for granted. So, watch out for early signs of trouble and address them before it’s too late. Here are some common threats to hardwood flooring and how to manage them.
Some Common Problems with Hardwood Flooring Beautifully maintained hardwood floors can last for generations. Although they are quite sturdy, taking care of them will help them last longer. Here are some of the common threats to hardwood floors.
1. Water Exposure Water is the number one enemy of hardwood flooring. Any moisture that comes from above or below the subfloor can lead to bigger issues. Always check for:
Leaking appliances
Bad plumbing
Groundwater intrusion through a perforated vapour barrier
Moisture from the concrete subfloor
Exposure to water for cleaning purposes
Humid weather If your concrete subfloors have not completely dried, your hardwood floors are in danger of becoming wet from it. Also, note the terrain of your property, including where it is exposed to water runoff or tends to have high humidity. Food and water spills, too, if not cleaned up quickly, may lead to problems. In short, any form of long-standing water on hardwood floors is a no-no.
2. Daily Activities Your hardwood floors go through daily wear and tear, like any other flooring. From running pets and moving furniture to wearing high heels, daily activities wear your floor down. But there is a way to minimize these factors. And learning how to care for your floors is always the first step. High heels can scuff and scratch your floors. The solution is to not wear shoes indoors. Have furry friends? The best way to tackle scratches dulling the floor is to trim their nails and install carpet to manage the damage. Cleaning up accidental spills and leaks can go a long way towards maintaining your floors.
3. Direct Exposure to Sunlight