PROBLEM PREVENTION

SCRATCH PREVENTION

To protect your investment and ensure your wood floors stay beautiful for years, it’s important to establish a consistent cleaning routine and take steps to minimize everyday wear and tear. Keep in mind that wood is a natural material that reacts to changes in its environment. During the winter months, when heating systems are in use, wood floors may shrink, causing small gaps to appear between the floorboards. In the summer, higher humidity levels can cause the wood to swell.

Wood is a natural, organic material that responds to its surroundings. In humid environments, wood absorbs moisture and can swell, while in dry conditions, it loses moisture and may shrink. Significant environmental changes can impact the performance and appearance of your wood floors. When your floors gain moisture, they may experience cupping, where the edges of the boards rise higher than the center, creating a concave shape. On the other hand, if your floors lose moisture, they may develop gaps or splits. These can appear between floorboards or on the surface of the boards. Small gaps and splits are normal during seasonal changes and typically resolve themselves as conditions stabilize. However, if gaps become large or remain during humid months, it’s time to consult a professional. To minimize these issues, it’s important to maintain a consistent indoor environment. Keep your home between 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit and 30–50 percent humidity year-round. At R Floor, we’re here to help you care for your wood floors and ensure they remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

MOISTURE MANAGMENT

To keep your wood floors looking their best, use floor protector pads on the bottoms of furniture legs to prevent scratches. Avoid walking on the floors with sports cleats or high-heeled shoes, as they can cause damage. However, even with the best precautions, life happens—whether it’s a toy car racetrack or a tap dance floor, minor damages are inevitable. For small surface scratches, touch-up markers, stain pens, and furniture repair kits can be incredibly useful. For larger repairs or more significant damage, our professionals at R Floor are here to help restore your floors to their original beauty.