What can damage hardwood floors?
Wood floors are incredibly durable and are able to endure a lot of wear and tear. This material is known to last a long time, and once it is freshly installed, it is expected that it will be able to keep its shine and smooth look for many years to come.
However, there are many factors that may cause one’s hardwood flooring in Pottstown to wear out and get damaged before their time.
Wood can be damaged by these three factors:
1. Moisture
Excessive moisture can easily be seen as a wood floors’ worst enemy. Most wood material is not able to expand and contract without suffering damage. Moisture forces the very absorptive boards to expand and this causes many problems to occur. Wood that is buckling, has concave or convex deformities, or is loose when stepped on can all be contributed to moisture problems.
Individuals need to make sure the humidity level in their home is relatively low and that extra precaution is taken when the materials are being installed. If the wood is installed properly it can last a very long time, however, getting moisture into the wood when it is installed can lead to serious problems only a little while after installation.
2. Heat
Just as moisture can cause wood to expand, too much heat can also cause it to shrink. This can cause gaps to occur in one’s ground. If one wants to prevent excessive heat drying out their beautiful ground materials they need to ensure that the temperature of the house is kept as moderate as possible.
3. Recurrent Damage
Constantly having things fall on the ground or scraping furniture repeatedly across the ground is a surefire way to cause some visible damage. Yes, wood is extremely resistant to damage and is very tough, but that does not mean one can continue to hammer down on it as much as they want. Treat them delicately and they will last many more years to come.
If one wants their ground material to last as long as possible then they need to ensure they are taking the proper precautions and keeping their ground in good condition. Hardwood needs to be kept relatively dry and it also needs to be kept at adequate temperatures. Making sure to keep one’s ground from suffering continuous damage is also important if one wants to see them last a long time.
It is important to note that keeping the ground clean is also a good method to extend is lifetime. Dirty floors are more likely to decay and collect moisture than wood that is cleaned on a regular basis.
Common things that damage hardwood floors
Beautiful hardwood floors can last for generations when properly cared for. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find historic properties with original flooring. Their hardiness is one of the reasons why hardwood flooring is so popular.
Although quality floors can last for a long time, damage to hardwood floors can occur, and it can happen with common issues, including:
- High heels: High heels on wood floors can scuff or even scratch the surface. Going shoe-free or wearing slippers indoors can help you keep your floors beautiful. Not wearing outdoor shoes inside can also help you avoid tracking dirt and germs into your home.
- Pet nails: Fido’s or Fluffy’s nails can cause scratches to your flooring, making your wood floors look dull or damaged with time. Trimming your pet’s nails before you hear that tell-tale “click click click” on the floors is comfortable and healthy for your pet and helps you keep your home looking its best.
- Furniture: Every time you sit down on furniture, the legs of your chairs, sofas and other pieces can dig into the wood, leaving scratches and even gouges. Place furniture pads under all your furniture and on all furniture legs. Check the furniture pads regularly to make sure they are still on correctly and have not fallen off. You may need to replace them as they wear down so they provide enough cushion.
- Moving: Moving any item of furniture is a high-risk situation for your hardwood floors. Dropping a heavy item on your floors can cause indentations and dragging a heavy piece across the surface can leave deep gouges. Always lift furniture completely off the floor and set it down gently. Work with professional movers where possible and use thick moving blankets under any furniture that’s too heavy to lift and must be dragged across the floor.
- Debris: Tiny debris, such as pieces of gravel, can be ground into the surface of your floor and can even become embedded in the surface.
- Liquid: Liquid can seep in the seams and can cause moisture damage. In serious cases, it can cause mold and warping.
- Sunlight: Sunshine directly on your floors can cause fading and discoloration. It will also create an uneven look since areas near your windows will be most affected. Always close your drapes or use sheer curtains to protect your home.
How To Protect Wood Floors
Knowing how to protect your floors lets you make the most out of your investment, and there are a few things you can do to keep your flooring looking great. Here are a few tips for protecting your hardwood flooring:
- Clean your floors properly: Sweep floors regularly and do not use large amounts of liquid. Use damp mops and dry, soft brooms instead. If you notice a spill or any debris, clean it up at once. Never use cleaners with acrylics or urethane. Read the label and make sure you’re using a cleaner intended for hardwood floors. When using a new cleaner for the first time, use it on a tiny and inconspicuous part of the floor first.
- Maintain your hardwood floors: Get familiar with the manufacturer guidelines that came with your hardwood flooring. Maintain your floors as directed.
- Consider additional protection: In high-traffic areas, especially, use a mat or area rug to protect your floors. However, avoid rubber backings and rubber no-slip treads. A combination felt and rubber pad is much gentler on floors.
Limit Floor’s Traffic and Impact
Hardwood flooring is excellent at standing up against normal traffic and impact. But it’s the abnormal wear and tear that you need to protect against.
Children are not the sole cause of ruined hardwood flooring. But they do rank on top as one of the major causes of hardwood damage. Kids, of course, can sometimes be intentionally malicious: gouging floors with protractors, pounding floors with toys, letting loose with indelible markers. But most often, kids ruin hardwood floors because adults have not taken proper precautions.
Be vigilant about keeping wheeled toys out of the house. Wheeled toys that sometimes go outside are sure to pick up pebbles in the treads and scratch the hardwood. The same goes for children’s shoes. Enforce a no-shoes policy in the house.
It’s not just children who can ruin a hardwood flooring. Adults contribute their share of damage. Watch for and limit:
- High heels
- Sliding furniture legs
- Small rocks underfoot
- Sliding large boxes
Things You Should Never Do to Your Wood Floor
Wood flooring is on-trend and quite durable, but there are some things that can damage it and result in expensive repairs. To keep your wood floors looking beautiful for as long as possible, don’t do these things.
Don’t Wear Shoes
Wearing shoes on your hardwood floor, especially high heels, is just asking for scuffs and scratches. In addition, moisture and dirt from your shoes can seep into your flooring and cause further damage.
- Don’t Let Your Pets’ Nails Get Too Long
Keeping your dog or cat from ever walking on your hardwood floor is an impossible task. However, to ensure that their feet do as little damage to your floor as possible, it is a good idea to trim their nails often. Your floor (and your pets) will appreciate it!
- Don’t Go Without Furniture Pads
Of course you’ll need to furnish your rooms regardless of the flooring, but be sure to invest in some small pads for the bottom of your table and chair legs. Moving your furniture around, and even accidentally nudging them here and there, can cause serious scuffing and even gouges.
- Don’t Use Harsh Cleaners
While it is important to clean your floors regularly, make sure to use only solutions designed specifically for wood flooring, and do not pour any cleaner directly onto your floor. Moisture damage can occur if the wood absorbs too much liquid. Instead, put a small amount of the cleaner onto your mop or cleaning pad first, then wipe it on your floor.
- Don’t Roll on Wheels
The hard plastic wheels on the bottom of your home office chair or rolling storage bench can scratch up your wood floor in no time. If you can’t replace the wheels with furniture feet and pads, add a rug or rubber mat under your wheeled pieces before you drag or push them around.
- Don’t Forget to Refinish
Even if you don’t do any of these things to your wood floor, it will still show signs of wear over time. As you see fine scratches appear, it’s time to reapply the protective finish. This will smooth out any slight imperfections and give your floor a beautiful, new shine.