Every aspect of your home is an investment and making sure that you are able to get the best-looking home, the most enjoyment from it, and even the best value for your money. Hardwood flooring is one of the key elements that many homeowners will consider investing in, and it’s certain that at some point you’ll end up considering this as well.
A Major Investment in Walnut Creek, CA
Hardwood can be a big investment, of course. The average costs can range from $3 up to as much as $15 per square foot. Average costs for whole-house hardwood is just over $4,000. That’s a good bit of money, but when you consider that a well-cared for floor will last for 20 to 30 years without needing any serious repairs or renovations, it’s easy to see that your hardwood could be one of the smartest investments you make.
But, getting the most from your flooring means taking good care of it. While it’s obviously a more durable surface than carpet, hardwood does need to be cared for properly. Taking a closer look at some of the main things you need to be aware of will help you protect your flooring properly.
Monitoring Humidity
The single biggest enemy of your hardwood floors is the weather, especially in Walnut Creek, CA. Specifically, the humidity in your home will need to be carefully considered in order to prevent major issues from occurring. Between 35 and 55 percent, relative humidity is recommended for any home with hardwood flooring.
The issue here is simple – when moisture content in the wood changes due to major temperature changes or humidity changes, the flooring can shrink or expand. This leads to problems like:
- Buckling
- Splitting
- Splintering
- Cracking
- Spacing
Temperature and humidity changes need to be prevented. This is easy enough for most modern homes, and just keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is often enough to prevent major issues.
Additional Steps For Protection in Walnut Creek, CA
Along with controlling moisture, there are additional steps that you can take to ensure that your flooring stays protected. Some of the main things to think about include the following.
- Remove Your Shoes – Shoes can carry in debris and dirt that can actually scratch the finish on your floors or gradually wear the finish off entirely in spots – especially high traffic areas.
- Use Felt Pads – Place felt pads under chairs or furniture legs. Even sliding out dining room chairs regularly can scratch and scuff your floors, and felt pads can be attached to the bottom of all your furniture to keep your floors protected.
- Use Mats – Entry mats allow you to prevent debris from entering the home as well. And placing mats or throw rugs in the highest traffic areas like around the stove or sink can help you preserve your wood floors for years.
- Clean Properly – The way you clean can have huge impacts on your floor. Avoid harsh chemicals and be sure to use non-abrasive cleaning pads. Additionally, don’t get the floor too wet – just misting the floor or using the replaceable, disposable-mopping pads is a good idea.
These simple tips can keep your floors looking great for years to come and ensure that your home is always beautiful.
