Caring For Chicago Hardwood Floors

We all know winter is fast approaching. With this in mind, safeguarding one’s hardwood floor in Chicago becomes of paramount importance. During winter months, hardwood floors tend to contract causing unsightly gaps. These gaps can undermine the overall appearance of your floor. To alleviate this, the ambient temperature and humidity should be monitored. The ideal temperature would be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity should be around 50%. This range of temperature and humidity represent an equilibrium that minimizes the impact of climatic changes.

While engineered hardwood floors, like Kahrs hardwood, are more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood floors, it is still important to monitor humidity and temperature with those floors as well. In the event that you cannot control your humidity through your air system, you should purchase portable room humidifiers with displays that indicate the humidity level. Rotate these units to attain an even percentage throughout your home. Also, it is important to periodically inspect the appliances in the kitchen and waterlines feeding bathroom fixtures to ensure that there is no water leaking in your home. Water truly is the enemy of hardwood floors.

-Tony Reyes, Hard Surface Manager

Tags: hardwood , winter , gaps , temperature , engineered hardwood , kahrs , water

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