Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular and durable choices for homeowners around the world. It is aesthetically pleasing and incredibly versatile. But even with all it has to offer, there’s still one thing that poses a significant problem for hardwood flooring: water. If you have hardwood floors and want to keep them in pristine condition, take a look at these tips for how to protect your wood floors from water damage.
Get Rid of Water
This probably goes without saying, but you should always wipe up any spills or pooled water from the hardwood floors. If you have wooden floors in the kitchen, near the laundry, or near the bathroom, you’ll want to pay particular attention to these areas and keep the floors dry. If you leave water to sit, it could seep into the hardwood, encouraging rot and mold growth.
Remove Wet Things
Damp items left on the floor can sometimes do as much damage as leaving a puddle of water! Make sure to keep any wet things up and away from the floor, or the moisture could penetrate the wood. This means wet clothes, soggy shoes, moist carpets, and anything else that is even slightly damp.
Control Humidity
It’s pretty easy to remove standing water and wet items from the hardwood floor, but what about ambient humidity? Yes, this can cause just as much damage to your floors! If you live in a humid climate, take care to dehumidify the home, especially in the summer. In winter, air tends to be drier, which can also affect the wood, so you may also want to add a bit of humidity back into the air.
Pay Attention to Plumbing
As mentioned above, even a little bit of water can do a lot of damage to hardwood, so take care to regularly inspect pipes and plumbing throughout the house. You’ll be able to catch any potential leaks before they become an issue.
Treat the Wood
Hardwood floors need to be treated occasionally to keep them in pristine condition. This includes waxes or sealants that keep moisture from penetrating into the grains. Depending on the type of product you use, you may need to reapply every one to five years. With regular cleaning and treatment, your floors should resist water damage for a long time to come.
Contact Central Mass Hardwood
Are the hardwood floors in your home suffering from water damage or in need of a little TLC? Contact the experts at Central Mass Hardwood for the best professional refinishing and repair services today! We service the Marlborough area, Hudson, Shrewsbury, Framingham, and beyond. Give us a call at 508-460-0199 or fill out an online form to request a custom quote.
