Empire Flooring Maintenance - Hardwood

• Rearrange Your Rugs & Furniture
Periodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the Empire Flooring to age evenly. Exposure to sun and UV rays accelerates the oxidation of Hardwood. 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 coordinate with the color of your floor. In most cases when they are properly used, they will make the damaged areas less noticeable.

o Color Fill: This is used for repairing minor nicks, scratches and gouges in Hardwood Flooring. It is also used for filling in nail and screw holes in Hardwood moldings.

o Color Sealant: This is used to fill the expansion space at the perimeter of Hardwood 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 (such as 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 hard surface rug underlayment.

• Use Floor Protectors With Furniture
Use floor protectors with all chairs, tables and furniture that come in direct contact with your Empire Flooring. It is not recommended that you use rollers or castors on your new Empire Today Flooring because they may cause scratching and indentations.

• Affix Felt Or Similar Pads To The Legs Of Furniture
In order to prevent furniture from scratching or dulling the surface, affix these pads to any metal, iron, wood or plastic furniture.

• 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 stoves 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.