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COMMON TYPES OF DAMAGE TO HARDWOOD FLOORS

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Hardwood floors are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability and timeless appeal. However, even the sturdiest of hardwood floors can fall victim to various types of damage over time. Understanding the common types of flooring damage to hardwood floors can help homeowners take proactive measures to prevent and address these issues.

1. Scratches and Scuffs: One of the most common types of damage to hardwood floors is surface scratches and scuffs. These can occur from the regular wear and tear of foot traffic, moving furniture, or even pet claws. While these may seem like minor issues, they can detract from the overall appearance of the floor and lead to more significant damage if left untreated.

2. Water Damage: Hardwood floors are particularly susceptible to water damage, which can result from spills, leaks, or excessive humidity. Water can cause the wood to warp, swell, or even develop mold and mildew. It is crucial to address any water damage promptly to prevent further deterioration of the flooring.

3. Gouges and Dents: Heavy furniture, high heels, or dropped objects can cause gouges and dents in hardwood floors. These deep marks can be unsightly and compromise the integrity of the floor if not addressed.

4. Fading and Discoloration: Exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause hardwood floors to fade and lose their original luster over time. Additionally, certain chemicals and cleaning products can lead to discoloration of the wood.

5. Warping and Cupping: Changes in humidity and moisture levels can cause hardwood floors to warp or cup, resulting in uneven surfaces and potential tripping hazards.

Preventative measures such as using furniture pads, area rugs, and promptly cleaning up spills can help minimize the risk of damage to hardwood floors. Additionally, regular maintenance such as refinishing and resealing can help restore the appearance and integrity of the flooring.

Understanding the common types of flooring damage to hardwood floors is essential for homeowners looking to preserve the beauty and longevity of their investment. By taking proactive measures and addressing issues promptly, homeowners can enjoy their hardwood floors for years to come.

How to Clean Carpets Like a Pro

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carpet cleaning

Knowing how to properly care for a carpet is a great way to increase its lifespan. A properly cleaned and maintained carpet can easily last twice as long as one that is neglected and poorly maintained. You can find any number of carpet cleaning tips online, but here are some of the basic strategies that we recommend you use day-to-day.

  • Vacuum carpet as least once a week, and even more if you have an area of heavy traffic. Vacuuming frequently prevents the buildup of particles that cut into your carpet fibers, prolonging the lifespan of your carpet. Once a month or so, take some time to use the specialty tools on your vacuum and get into the nooks, crannies, and corners of the spaces you’re vacuuming.
  • Note: making a single pass over the area with the vacuum is rarely enough to get the job done. Yes, you’ll pick up the surface layer of grime and will see your bag start to fill up, but it will take a couple more passes before you get all the way down to the particles that have been worked down into your fibers.
  • Take your time when vacuuming and don’t try to go too quickly. Make long, slow passes over the areas you are tackling, especially ones with high traffic. High-traffic areas should be vacuumed over a couple of times from different angles.

If you intend to steam clean your carpet, consider using a pro. They have the experience and training necessary to do a good job and will almost certainly know more than you. If you intend to do it yourself, however, consider the following tips:

    • Clean the carpet before you feel like you absolutely have to. It’s better to catch it with a little bit of debris at a time or it becomes more difficult and takes much more time.
    • Before and after the steam cleaning, vacuum the whole area.
    • If there are stains that you intend to clean up, make sure that you pretreat them before going in with the steam cleaner.
    • Don’t over-wet the carpet, and once you are through, make sure you let it dry completely before putting it to use. Wet carpet can easily form mildew, so turn on any fans that you can, crank the AC, and use a dehumidifier if you have one.

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Cold Weather Tips for Hardwood Floors

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cold weather

If you have installed hardwood flooring in your home, you are likely aware that it is a living, breathing type of floor that swells and shrinks according to changes in temperature. Keeping that in mind, here are a few tips that you can use to help maintain your floor during the cold winter season.

  • Keep the level of moisture entering your home as minimal as possible. Everyone likes to go out and play in the snow, but your boots capture lots of moisture that can prove destructive to your hardwood. Make sure you clean your boots off outside if you can on a mat, and then on an indoor mat. Once you’ve finished drying them off, knock off all of the snow salt that has accumulated on them to prevent scratches on your floors.
  • Keep a mop or rags beside your front door at all times, especially if you regularly leave the house throughout the day. If your front door is continually opened and closed, you increase the chances of snow entering the home and damaging the floor. If snow does get inside, don’t wait for it to melt: mop or soak it up as quickly as possible.
  • If you have a fireplace in your home, now is the time you’re probably thinking about using it: it will keep the house warm and comfortable during even the coldest weather. However, be careful that you aren’t using it excessively: keeping a wood fire burning without any humidity in the home will make the air very dry and potentially damaging to your hardwood floors. If you want to maintain atmospheric humidity, you can keep a water kettle boiling above the fire to help.
  • Make sure that you know just how old your hardwood floor is. If it is getting up there in years, it may be time to add another layer of protection to it. Clean off the surface, sand it, and paint a coat of epoxy or polyurethane over the whole area.

Don’t let the winter ruin your home’s beautiful hardwood; take action as soon as you can to prevent damage!

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