1. Invest in a good entrance mat! Water and salt are the worst enemies of wood floors. A quality mat will protect the floor and prevent damage. Be sure to wash it often and dry it if necessary.
2. Place a tray under the shoe rack to prevent water from running onto the floor. Keep a dry mop nearby and wipe up spills quickly.
3. Measure the humidity level in your home regularly and adjust if necessary by using a humidifier and/or dehumidifier. A humidity level that is too high could cause problems with tiling, bulging, lifting or structural cracks. On the other hand, when the humidity level is too low, the boards contract and shrink, causing gaps, cracks and splits.
Warping: When your floor is subjected to high humidity or comes in contact with water, its edges can become higher than its center. This is called warping. When this happens, it is important to address it quickly so that your floor can regain its balance and its original shape.
Bulging: Following a bulging problem, it is important to wait until the floor has completely regained its original shape before sanding it. If it is sanded too quickly, once the moisture content of the floor is equalized, your floor will bulge because the top edges have been sanded. This damage is permanent.
Lifting: When moisture levels are too high, your floor expands and can pull away from the subfloor, causing warping. When humidity levels return to normal, the floor should shrink, but you may see gaps between the wood planks.
Structural Cracks: Excessive moisture can cause the wood to expand significantly. Under these circumstances, the boards may begin to grow on top of each other which can cause a loss of structural integrity and create structural cracks, commonly referred to as splits. This damage is permanent.
Spacing: As humidity levels decrease, wood floors contract and shrink causing small gaps between the wood planks. Once the humidity level is restored, the wood floor will regain moisture and expand, causing the gaps between the wood boards to disappear.
Splits: Under certain extreme conditions, it is possible for your floor to weaken and become more brittle, increasing the likelihood of damage or cracking. This damage is permanent.
4. Clean your floors regularly to prevent them from being exposed to salts and other dirt from the outside. It is also important to use the right products to avoid damaging your floors. If your floors are damaged or simply to get expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team! We are here to help you!