An ounce of prevention...

Hardwood flooring is one of the best interior investments you can add to your home. Realtors and homebuilders alike have acknowledged that wood flooring makes any home more appealing. That being said, maintaining your investment over many years is important. There are a few very simple steps you can take to help protect your wood flooring investment from wear and tear and damage.

• Beware dirt and grit.

Dirt and grit can scratch the wood finish when dragged across your floors by shoes or dust mops. Entrance mats help to control the amount of grit and dust coming into the home and dry mopping with microfiber helps to keep the dust that does get in under control.

• Vacuum safely

If you choose to use a vacuum on your wood flooring, make sure your vacuum employs a soft brush and never use a vacuum that has a beater bar on your wood floors.

• Protect your floors from furniture

Furniture—table and chair legs—can also scratch and damage your wood floors. To avoid damage from furniture movement, place felt pieces on table and chair legs. If your wood floor is in an area such as a dining room, where furniture is frequently moved, you can also use area rugs to protect your floor.

• Clean with care

Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your hardwood floors. Chemicals can be harmful to your wood floor finish and can cause discoloration. Contact your manufacturer for a recommendation on appropriate cleaners.

Water Happens, But it doesn't have to ruin your wood floors

One of the most costly threats to your hardwood floors is water damage. Water damage can occur from spills, leaks and humidity and moisture in the air. Of course the best way to save your hardwood floors from water damage is to employ preventive measures. Try to avoid water and other liquid spills; if they occur clean them immediately using absorbent cloth or paper towels. Maintaining air humidity in the recommended range for your particular hardwood floor is also necessary to prevent warping and other moisture related damage.

Some simple ways to prevent water damage include employing the use of rugs in areas, such as entryways, that are more likely to be exposed to moisture. Always be sure to speak with the manufacturer of your wood floors for tips and recommendations specific to your chosen floor.

Taking preventive measures will go a long way toward preserving the beauty of your hardwood floors over time. However, no matter how careful you may be, water damage can still occur. If you discover water or moisture damage on your hardwood floors, it is most important that you act quickly to remove or eliminate the source of moisture.

Depending on the kind of damage and the kind of hardwood floors you have, steps to repair it may vary. The important things to remember with any water damage are 1) eliminate the source of moisture and 2) wait until the wood has properly dried and relaxed prior to making any drastic decisions regarding repair. If water-damage related repairs are undertaken prior to the floor properly drying, permanent damage can be done to the floor. Feel free to email us regarding your specific issue and we’ll be happy to help you determine the next steps.