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Maintenance
· Rearrange your rugs and furniture: Periodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the floor to age evenly. UV sunlight affects varied species of wood differently. Some species will change colors drastically, especially in the first 90 days. Be certain to periodically move the furniture to minimize and evenly distribute these changes.
· Investigate using a color fill or color sealant to repair minor hardwood floor damages: These special products should be coordinated to the color of your floor. In most cases when they are properly used, they will make the damaged areas less noticeable.
· Color fill: This is used for repairing minor nicks, scratches and gouges in hardwood or laminate flooring. It is also used for filling in nail and screw holes in hardwood or laminate moldings.
· Color sealant: This is used to fill the expansion space at the perimeter of hardwood or laminate flooring. It is also used to fill the space around door facings and other vertical surfaces.
Protection
· Use protective mats: High quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit and other substances (i.e., oil, asphalt, driveway sealer) that can otherwise be tracked onto your floor. It is recommended that you do not use rubber or foam backed plastic mats because they can possibly discolor the floor. To prevent slippage, you should use an approved hardwood rug underlayment.
· Use floor protectors with furniture: Use floor protectors with all chairs, tables and furniture that come in direct contact with your flooring. It is not recommended that you use rollers or castors on your new flooring because they may cause scratching and indentations.
· Maintain a relative humidity level: Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 40% and 50% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of the wood. Improper room conditions can lead to many permanent issues with hardwood that include face checking, cracking and problems with expansion.
· Heating season (dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.
· Non-heating season (wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier or periodic heating system activation can maintain humidity during the summer months. Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.
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