Cold weather can cause plenty of unexpected problems to arise with your hardwood floors. Your floors are the foundation of your home, and when problems start to reveal themselves as temperatures drop, it can be difficult to know what to do. This winter, stay prepared for even the most unexpected problem that might pop up on your hardwood floors. Let’s take a look at how to solve 5 unexpected hardwood problems in cold weather.
Problem
Floors are wearing unevenly due to high traffic and harsh winter substances like driveway salt and sand.
Solution
Refinish high-traffic areas at a more frequent rate than other areas in your home. By refinishing these small areas more frequently, say every other year as opposed to every 3-4 years, you will ensure that your floors wear at a more even rate. If you don’t have the money to refinish small areas like hallways and entrances, consider replacing these with tile, or adding an overabundance of doormats and rugs. Cheap rugs can be found secondhand and online and are a great solution to the wear and tear from harsh winter products like sidewalk salt and antifreeze
Problem
Cold weather brings pests indoors.
Solution
As cold weather comes, pests like cockroaches, ants, and termites cannot survive outdoors and head inside for food, warmth, and water. Unfortunately, they can end up snacking on the wood in your home. Solve this cold weather hardwood problem by making sure that your floors are properly sealed, and that you have a seasonal pest control treatment. A good pest control service will check for any entry points into your home and seal them up so pests cannot enter in the first place.
Problem
Hardwood floors are gapping.
Solution
The change in temperature and humidity during cold weather often causes hardwood floors to shrink and form pronounced cracks between the boards. This phenomenon is known as gapping. Hardwood gapping is not permanent and many people don’t even notice when it happens on their own hardwood floors during cold weather. However, if this cold weather hardwood problem is bothering you, it is important to match the heat in your house with a high humidity level. Winter air is already dry, and running the heating system causes the air to become even drier, which in turn makes your hardwood floors gap. Opt for a humidity level of 30-50% and this problem should be minimized.
Problem
Heavy winter shoes are causing dents and scratches.
Solution
Many people forget that winter shoes are made to be much sturdier than warm-weather shoes, and can cause plenty of damage to hardwood floors. If you are noticing that winter boots are putting dents and scratches on your floor there are a few solutions. For dents that have not punctured the finish of your floor, you can try using a clothing steamer to apply heat and humidity to the wood. This may cause the floor to rise and slightly fill in the dent, minimizing its appearance. For larger dents and scratches you may need to use wood filler and refinish your floors. In any case, it is best to store winter shoes outside in a covered area like a patio or garage so they do not damage your floors.
Problem
Botched winter hardwood install.
Solution
Winter is one of the best times to install hardwood floors. The air is as dry as it will be all year, so an experienced hardwood installer will know how to adjust the installation to these conditions. However, in certain situations, the hardwood boards are installed too close together and in the spring they expand and cause all sorts of problems like cupping. To solve this problem before the wood is installed, make sure it has plenty of time to acclimate to your home environment. Hardwood should be stored inside your home for a minimum of three days to acclimate, although the more time the better especially if it has been transported in a cold delivery truck. If spring comes and your floors are expanding too much, try employing a dehumidifier to minimize further hardwood expansion.
Whether it is warm or cold weather in Pensacola, the best place to get your hardwood floors year-round is Troendle Hardwood Company. With over a century of experience, Troendle is the name to trust with all of your hardwood needs, from new hardwood installation to refinishing existing hardwood floors to their former glory. Call or visit our website today to inquire about new hardwood refinishing, hardwood stair installation, and so much more.
