We’ve all had it happen; you stand up from your chair a bit too quickly and tip the chair over…resulting in a large, unsightly scratch on your otherwise-perfect floors. Some floors are more durable than others, but because we rely on them every day, all the floors in your home are prone to scratches, dents, and cracks. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to prevent these accidents from happening in the first place.
Scratches and Dents
Unfortunately, many kinds of flooring are prone to scratches. Even the most durable floors can be subject to unattractive scratches. Moving furniture around without taking the proper precautions is a major cause of scraps and dents. Even something as simple as moving a dining room chair can be the difference between damaged and undamaged floors.
Ending up with scratched floors may feel inevitable, but that’s far from true. Adopting a few simple changes allows you to keep your wood, vinyl, or laminate floors looking perfect for years to come.
- Felt pads: Install felt or rubber pada on the bottom of all of your furniture legs, especially on pieces that get moved often, like dining chairs.
- Use caution when rearranging: When it comes time to move around your furniture, take extra care not to drag your heavier items directly on the floor. If you can’t pick something up, place it on a dolly or a piece of fabric instead of sliding it across the room.
- Install the right floors: Be sure to choose the best flooring choice for your needs. Avoid softer floors, like hardwood, if you have an especially active household.
Cracks in Tile
Seeing cracks in your tile flooring can be one of the most disheartening things to find in your home. Unlike laminate or vinyl, tiles are not as easy to replace. One of the most rigid flooring choices, tiles do not react very generously to shifts in your home’s foundation. Cracks could be indicative of a larger issue, like uneven subflooring or foundation.
Other times, something as simple as dropping a heavy item could be enough to result in a cracked tile. The best way to know the difference is to contact a full-service flooring professional to get the issue inspected. Utilizing the services of a professional is also the best way to prevent any future problems.
Before installing tile, have someone check your foundation and subflooring to ensure that it’s even and unlikely to shift. Additionally, make sure your tile floors are completely sealed and the grout is fully dry before you begin using them. Especially in humid rooms, like the kitchen and bathroom, moisture can get trapped under the tiles and move them around ever so slightly. Enlisting professional help is the best way to keep your tile floors in tip-top shape.
Full-Service Flooring in Breese Illinois
Don’t tackle your next home renovation alone. Contact the flooring experts at Preferred Flooring to help you find the perfect flooring solution for each room. Schedule an appointment today!