After getting new flooring installed, it is common for many homeowners to overlook basic and timely maintenance. However, it is a fact that when it comes to getting the most life out of the material and ensuring durability, focusing on properly caring for your flooring is key. Prioritizing maintenance will ensure that there is no need for replacement in the near future.

Firstly, it is crucial to get the flooring installed by a reputed flooring installer in San Jose. After that, ensure that it has settled before placing any heavy items such as furniture. In most, cases it is recommended to wait for at least 24 hours. However, ask the experts because the wait time for certain materials can vary. After letting the flooring settle, it is time to follow some basic maintenance tips.

Sweep and Vacuum Often

The most essential flooring maintenance tip is to eliminate particles such as dust, dirt, and debris promptly by vacuum or sweeping. Sand or salt should also be removed at least once each week or else they might end up causing damage.

In case you have invested in hardwood, refrain from using any harsh brush or vacuum beater bar because they will make the surface dull. Other materials like vinyl are less sensitive to scratches. But, they just require the vacuum’s suction. Sweeping and vacuuming regularly is one of the most important things to do after getting flooring installed by the best flooring installer in San Jose.

Deep Clean the Floors

Deep cleaning the floors regularly is another crucial element of floor maintenance. Mopping is a good idea but be aware that using a lot of water is not recommended because some materials can’t handle too much liquid.

Usually, a moist cloth or a microfiber mop is good enough for treating grime. Avoid saturating the floor particularly if it is hardwood or laminate because water might end up in the joints and cause damage.

Some floor types like laminate require specific cleaners and they are often a better choice than water and soap. The reason behind this is that most products are made for a specific material which means it might not be suitable for other floor types.

Wipe the Spills Quickly

Spills happen in homes every now and then. But what’s important is wiping them immediately when they come in contact with the floor. Quickly take a clean cloth and absorb the spills before they can penetrate the flooring material.

After getting your brand new flooring installed by the best flooring installer in San Jose, it is a good idea to put absorbent mats on spots that are likely to get wet regularly such as the entryways.

Carpets are most likely to get stained from spills. So, quickly blot up the liquid and utilize a spot treatment product to eliminate unpleasant odor and restore the original color.

Provide Sufficient Protection

When it comes to ensuring your floor looks new for as long as possible, it is important to stay proactive and provide protection against dents and scratches. Use protective pads such as those made of rubber to equip heavy objects such as chairs and large furniture after the best flooring installer in San Jose has installed the flooring and it has settled.

When trying to move an object, refrain from dragging it across the floor surface. For further protection on materials like tile, it would be ideal to place some sort of carpeting between the furniture and the floor.

Extended sunlight exposure is also not recommended for flooring types like hardwood because that can make the material dull. To avoid this, utilize protective window treatments and blinds or curtains to reduce exposure to UV rays and ensure the flooring shines.

Conclusion

Prioritizing maintenance is key to guaranteeing that the lifespan of your flooring is extended. Utilize the tips from this guide to make sure that your specific flooring looks new and does not need replacement soon.

Hardwood flooring adds a touch of beauty and warmth to your space. But with time you may notice some gaps coming between the boards which disrupt the even and seamless surface. These gaps reduce the visual allure and influence the floor’s structural integrity, but they can sometimes also lead to injuries. No matter how big or small, the spaces between your floorboards bring many problems. Therefore, it is essential to understand the causes of gapping in hardwood flooring to avoid it.

So, here we will explore some common causes behind it, let’s start.

1. Temperature and Moisture level Fluctuations: Hardwood is 100 % natural material, so it is prone to expansion and contraction in response to moisture and temperature changes. Generally, wooden floors absorb the moisture from the air and tend to expand due to high temperatures along with high moisture content in the air. When the temperature goes down and air becomes less humid, the wooden floors contract in response. However, the top hardwood flooring store in San Jose provides engineered wood floors that are specifically designed to offer stability in any climate change. These experts help you choose the best hardwood that goes well with the environment where you are installing it.
2. Acclimation of Hardwood Floor: Sometimes, poor acclimation can lead to gaps in hardwood flooring. Acclimation is a major factor in hardwood flooring installation, which focuses on preparing the floor to adapt to specific environmental conditions. It includes conditioning the moisture content of the wood, so it can align with the room temperature where you want to install it. If your hardwood is not acclimated before installation, the flooring may adjust according to changing moisture and temperature changes after installation which may lead to gaps. So, it is advisable to follow the instructions of your hardwood flooring store in San Jose and their guidelines for acclimation.
3. Improper Installation: Incorrect installation techniques like not leaving proper expansion gaps around the perimeter or between floorboards can be the reasons for gaps over time. You should choose the right boards and ensure they are acclimated. You can take the help of professional flooring installers and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Subfloor Issues: Uneven or unstable subfloors can make hardwood flooring shift and result in gaps. So, it is important to ensure your subfloor is even and stable before installing hardwood flooring. It includes deeply checking the subfloor for irregularities or any other structural problems. You can correct minute unevenness by self-leveling compounds and major irregularities can be treated by adding an extra layer of plywood for stability. Also, you should pay attention to any moisture that can lead to subfloor instability. You can take the help of a professional installer and minimize the risks of gaps by properly planning the subfloor.

Choose the Best

Above are some top reasons that cause hardwood flooring gaps and you can avoid them by taking proactive steps at an early stage. Hardwood floors add beauty to your space and maintaining them is important so they can last longer. You should prepare in advance and resolve these issues before the installation process starts. If you are looking to install a new floor, visit our laminate flooring store in San Jose, we are a go-to choice for top floor covering solutions. We at Abbey Carpet & Hardwood are a full-service retailer and offer a premium range of high-quality flooring options from leading brands including, Shaw, Mohawk, Pergo, WilsonArt, Mannington, Congoleum and many more. We also offer at-home services to help you choose the best option.