Understanding Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood flooring is a favoured choice for many homeowners due to its elegance and durability. Unlike solid wood, it comprises multiple layers of wood veneer, which makes it more stable and less prone to the effects of environmental changes. Despite its robustness, engineered wood requires some special care, particularly during the monsoon season, to maintain its pristine condition.
Coswick’s Engineered Wood Flooring-Humidity tolerance level!
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Why Monsoon Maintenance is Beneficial
Taking care of your engineered wood floors during the monsoon helps in preserving their look and longevity. The extra moisture in the air can lead to expansion or minor issues if not managed properly. By following these maintenance tips, you can easily protect your floors from potential damage and keep them looking fabulous.
Preparing Your Floors for Monsoon
Inspect and seal
Before the monsoon starts, take some time to inspect your windows and doors, particularly if they open out into the balcony or are exposed to direct rain. As the sealants that seal your floor-to-ceiling windows age, they might develop cracks that allow the water to leak in. As the leakage is going to happen from the bottom and into your wood floors, you might not even notice it initially. But this can cause long-term issues. Similarly, for windows exposed to direct rain, check if they are properly sealed.
In new construction particularly notice any signs of dampness in your walls or ceiling. If they appear, have them handled promptly. These wet walls/ceiling will impact the humidity in the air and cause more than normal movement in your engineered wood floors leading to a bumpy feel or creaky sounds. Additionally, dampness may cause mold and fungus to develop which is not good for health.
Photo credit – © HomeServe
At one project we noted that there was condensation forming on the ceiling and water was dripping from the ceiling onto the engineered wooden flooring. The house was centrally air conditioned at the time and the homeowner opened the door for some time. This led to the warm and humid monsoon air inside the house and as it touched the cold ceiling (the ac was working and the ceiling surface was cold), it turned into water droplets in no time which started falling into the wood floor. While a few drops do not matter but it was more than that. So just allow the temperature to come to a normal level before exposing the inner walls to humid air. Cities such as Mumbai can experience more of this phenomenon.
Photo credit – © Reddit
Daily Maintenance Tips
Regular Cleaning
Keep your floors clean by sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove dirt and debris. Using a microfiber mop ensures gentle cleaning that won’t harm the finish.
Photo credit – © Coswick
Avoid Excess Water
During cleaning, avoid using too much water. A damp cloth or mop is ideal, but make sure it’s wrung out well to prevent water from pooling on the floor.
Step1
Photo credit – © Coswick
Photo credit – © Coswick
Photo credit – © Coswick
Humidity Control
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a great investment for controlling indoor humidity levels. It helps to keep the moisture in check, protecting your floors from excess humidity.
Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is key during the monsoon. Open windows when possible and use fans to ensure air circulation, which helps to reduce humidity levels.
Dealing with Spills and Water Exposure
Immediate Action
In case of spills, wipe them up immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into the floor seams. Use a dry cloth or paper towel for quick absorption.
If your floors get wet, use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up drying. Avoid using heaters as they can cause the wood to dry too quickly and crack.
Protecting High-Traffic Areas
Use Rugs and Mats
Placing rugs or mats in high-traffic areas can protect your floors from dirt and moisture. Ensure these rugs are dry and cleaned regularly to avoid trapping moisture underneath.
Furniture Pads
Attaching felt pads to the legs of your furniture prevents scratches and dents on your engineered wood floors.
Photo credit – © Coswick
Long-Term Maintenance
Periodic Sealing
Reapply sealant periodically to maintain the protective layer on your floors. This helps safeguard your flooring from moisture and wear over time.
Professional Inspection
Consider having your floors professionally inspected and maintained annually to ensure they stay in top condition. Contact us for help!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Harsh Cleaners
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your engineered wood floors as they can damage the finish. Stick to cleaners designed specifically for wood flooring.
Ignoring Small Issues
Address small issues like minor cracks or gaps promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger problems during the monsoon season.
Conclusion:
Taking care of your engineered wood floors during the monsoon months in India requires diligence and proactive maintenance. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your floors remain beautiful and durable throughout the rainy season. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in preserving the luxury and longevity of your engineered wood flooring.
Please check out our Maintenance Guides for your floors:
Engineered Wood Floors
Laminate Flooring
Do reach out to us if you have any questions or suggestions or comments. We love to be in communication – +91 99715 09922 / +91 92120 96387.
Until Next Time!
Satinder Chawla
Founder