Do you have engineered wood flooring? Or are you planning to install it at some point? Then you should know how to take care of it in winter.
Engineered hardwood flooring in Mississauga, Toronto, or anywhere is popular because it is so stable. Unlike real hardwood, engineered wood flooring has a stable core, which works well with temperature fluctuations.
But the long and harsh winter months can pose new challenges to your floors if they are not properly cared for.
At The Reno Superstore, we help you figure out the best way to care for engineered hardwood flooring during these cold months.
Best Ways to Maintain Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Mississauga
Check out these top tips to maintain your engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto and Mississauga this winter.
But before we get to the maintenance part, let’s take a look at the flooring problems you may encounter this winter.
Engineered Wood Flooring Issues During Winter
1. Freezing Temperatures
Canadian winters are cold. But the more relevant problem, when it comes to how winter impacts engineered hardwood, is the dryness of the air.
Cranking up your thermostat to stay warm is actually quite problematic for engineered hardwood flooring as the air’s increased dryness causes hardwood to contract and tear. This also leads to gaps accumulating debris and making your floors look dirty.
These flooring issues also lead to increased repair costs. That’s why it is very important to nip the problem in the bud.
2. De-icing
De-icing trucks spread salt on streets and sidewalks to ensure commuter safety. While that is an unavoidable necessity in Ontario winters, it plays a big role in damaging engineered wood flooring. That’s because those salt particles stick to the bottom of your shoes or boots and can scratch your floors.
If you have a commercial space with engineered hardwood flooring, it is a good idea to check how to maintain your commercial flooring this holiday season.
3. Snow and Water
We may love the snow, but your engineered wood flooring does not. If you have an active household with kids and dogs, snow and water are bound to get into your home. Once the snow melts, the water gets absorbed into gaps in your flooring planks, causing them to warp and bloat.
While engineered hardwood is more tolerant than solid hardwood, it is still affected if not cleaned up soon or properly. Moreover, if your engineered flooring was not installed properly, it can lead to flooring issues like cupping and buckling.
Now that you know some problems you may encounter, here is how to maintain your floors.
1. Ensure Appropriate Humidity Levels
As mentioned, increasing the indoor temperature to stay warm can dry out engineered flooring. On the other hand, high levels of humidity may cause your engineered hardwood flooring to absorb moisture and expand.
The best way to overcome this is to maintain appropriate humidity levels indoors. The best humidity range for engineered hardwood flooring is 35% to 55%. Maintaining this will help you avoid floor contraction and other future flooring issues.
2. Use Mats and Rugs
It is understandable that avoiding salt in winter can be difficult. When you are experiencing heavy snowfall, de-icing is a safe way to deal with it. So, you will inevitably bring some home.
You can lessen its impact by using door mats or area rugs. Encourage your family members to use these when entering your home.
3. Install Carpets
It can be difficult to see damage to high-quality engineered hardwood flooring. One solution is to install carpets during the winter months. Especially this holiday season, when you are expecting a lot of guests, carpet is a great way to protect your floors.
4. Invest in the Right Floor Care
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and your floors will see a lot of accidents and spills. So, taking care of them is more important than ever.
Invest in high-quality cleaning devices such as a mop or vacuum with soft bristles to remove debris. We have also covered this topic thoroughly right here.
5. Consider Holiday Decorations With Care
Nothing spells Christmas quite like a real Christmas tree. Engineered hardwood floors, even though they are not like solid hardwood floors, have real hardwood veneers. As a result, the surface is prone to scratches.
Keep in mind that a real Christmas tree will need regular water, which may spill. It is recommended that you use tree skirts to prevent water damage. Also, be sure to regularly clean up fallen needles to prevent them from scratching your floors.
Installing good-quality floors isn’t enough; maintaining them makes all the difference. These tips may seem a little rigorous, but they’re worth it. Following these tips will prevent floor damage and ensure that your engineered wood flooring keeps looking good for years. Keeping your floors in the best possible condition will save you money in the long run. Have questions? Reach out to The Reno Superstore.