An average temperature should be maintained within the range of 15-24 °C and humidity within the range of 40-60%. These are the normal comfort zone readings that will keep wooden floors in a good condition.
Wood is a hydroscopic material, which means it is susceptible to the effects of moisture and temperature fluctuations. It absorbs moisture and then releases this moisture back into the environment. During the summer, when humidity is high in the atmosphere, wood will absorb some of that moisture and it will therefore expand. During the winter months, when the central heating is in operation, humidity is lower in the atmosphere. The timber will therefore release the moisture (dry out) and contract.
Minor separation between the boards might occur during times of seasonal change; therefore, it is often beneficial to make use of conditioners, humidifiers or dehumidifiers to help maintain the appropriate conditions. These are very important factors and must not be overlooked.
Wooden floors should only be cleaned by using a slightly damp mop, and excessive amounts of water must not be applied onto them.
Only maintenance products that have been specifically designed for wooden floors should be used.
Entrance mats and dirt scrapers should be used on all exterior doors to prevent both dirt and grit from entering the property. Dirt that’s caught underfoot can act in a similar way to sandpaper and scratch the floor.
Rugs restrict wear in high traffic areas, and so they should be shaken out regularly and thoroughly cleaned. Note that rugs and mats can cause colour differences in the wood due to the differences in light exposure.
Floors laid in kitchens, bathrooms, or high traffic areas, are paid extra attention and maintenance. Felt pads should be placed on the bottom of all furniture legs as they allow furniture to be moved without marking the floor. These pads should be replaced regularly to prevent dirt or grit becoming embedded in them.
A protective mat should be used under office chairs and castor wheeled chairs. In addition, appropriate footwear should be used to reduce wear.
Potted plants should not be placed on the floor. Spills should be wiped off immediately with a damp cloth, followed by a cleaning product.
Pets’ nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid finish and wood damage. Water bowls that are designed to avoid spills should be used.
It is crucial to ensure that the floor temperature does not exceed 27°C. In order to achieve this, the system should have an underfloor sensor and suitable cutoff capability. The expansion and contraction may be magnified when underfloor heating is used due to both the higher than usual temperature and the degree of moisture loss.
Wood is an organic material, therefore wooden floors are subject to both ageing and colour change over time. This ageing is a completely natural process, and is a result of exposure to the elements. The two main causes of ageing are wood oxidation (exposure to air) and UV light (exposure to sunlight). The sun’s UV rays can cause the stain and/or wood to fade and/or change colour. Over the summer, direct sunlight and excessive heat can cause the boards to shrink as well. It is, therefore, suggested that curtains/blinds are used to help block out most of the sun’s harmful rays.
An average temperature should be maintained within the range of 15-24 °C and humidity within the range of 40-60%. These are the normal comfort zone readings that will keep wooden floors in a good condition.
Wood is a hydroscopic material, which means it is susceptible to the effects of moisture and temperature fluctuations. It absorbs moisture and then releases this moisture back into the environment. During the summer, when humidity is high in the atmosphere, wood will absorb some of that moisture and it will therefore expand. During the winter months, when the central heating is in operation, humidity is lower in the atmosphere. The timber will therefore release the moisture (dry out) and contract.
Minor separation between the boards might occur during times of seasonal change; therefore, it is often beneficial to make use of conditioners, humidifiers or dehumidifiers to help maintain the appropriate conditions. These are very important factors and must not be overlooked.
Wooden floors should only be cleaned by using a slightly damp mop, and excessive amounts of water must not be applied onto them.
Only maintenance products that have been specifically designed for wooden floors should be used.
Entrance mats and dirt scrapers should be used on all exterior doors to prevent both dirt and grit from entering the property. Dirt that’s caught underfoot can act in a similar way to sandpaper and scratch the floor.
Rugs restrict wear in high traffic areas, and so they should be shaken out regularly and thoroughly cleaned. Note that rugs and mats can cause colour differences in the wood due to the differences in light exposure.
Floors laid in kitchens, bathrooms, or high traffic areas, are paid extra attention and maintenance. Felt pads should be placed on the bottom of all furniture legs as they allow furniture to be moved without marking the floor. These pads should be replaced regularly to prevent dirt or grit becoming embedded in them.
A protective mat should be used under office chairs and castor wheeled chairs. In addition, appropriate footwear should be used to reduce wear.
Potted plants should not be placed on the floor. Spills should be wiped off immediately with a damp cloth, followed by a cleaning product.
Pets’ nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid finish and wood damage. Water bowls that are designed to avoid spills should be used.
It is crucial to ensure that the floor temperature does not exceed 27°C. In order to achieve this, the system should have an underfloor sensor and suitable cutoff capability. The expansion and contraction may be magnified when underfloor heating is used due to both the higher than usual temperature and the degree of moisture loss.
Wood is an organic material, therefore wooden floors are subject to both ageing and colour change over time. This ageing is a completely natural process, and is a result of exposure to the elements. The two main causes of ageing are wood oxidation (exposure to air) and UV light (exposure to sunlight). The sun’s UV rays can cause the stain and/or wood to fade and/or change colour. Over the summer, direct sunlight and excessive heat can cause the boards to shrink as well. It is, therefore, suggested that curtains/blinds are used to help block out most of the sun’s harmful rays.
Even though wooden floors are protected with very durable finishes, wear and tear is inevitable over time. If regular cleaning and maintenance is no longer able to restore the lustre of the floor, or there are visible signs of wear and tear, the floor will need to be coated with an extra layer of the appropriate product, depending on the finish. In any case, the whole floor should be coated, and not just certain boards or sections, to ensure there is an even appearance and sheen level.
Oiled floors need to be coated with either a maintenance oil or hardwax oil when they start to show signs of wear and tear. This new protective layer will restore the floor’s lustre and revive its appearance.
Lacquered floors are durable and easy to keep clean. Once the floor starts to appear a bit dull or shows minor signs of wear and tear, a lacquer refresher should be applied that freshens up the floor and revives its appearance. The refresher will also conceal small scratches.
Even though wooden floors are protected with very durable finishes, wear and tear is inevitable over time. If regular cleaning and maintenance is no longer able to restore the lustre of the floor, or there are visible signs of wear and tear, the floor will need to be coated with an extra layer of the appropriate product, depending on the finish. In any case, the whole floor should be coated, and not just certain boards or sections, to ensure there is an even appearance and sheen level.
Oiled floors need to be coated with either a maintenance oil or hardwax oil when they start to show signs of wear and tear. This new protective layer will restore the floor’s lustre and revive its appearance.
Lacquered floors are durable and easy to keep clean. Once the floor starts to appear a bit dull or shows minor signs of wear and tear, a lacquer refresher should be applied that freshens up the floor and revives its appearance. The refresher will also conceal small scratches.
Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping with an everyday cleaner.
Mopping with a solution that protects and regenerates the surface.
Cleaning with a solution that intensively cleans the surface.
Application of a maintenance coat for hardwax oiled & hardened. oiled floors.