The Pacific Northwest is pretty wet and, according to Weather.Com, Portland gets 43 inches of rain per year, with an average of 154 rainy days.
Hardwood flooring adds a rich style to your home. It has those gorgeous undertones that you can coordinate with artwork, fabric, views and accessories to design a dramatic room.
You keep hearing, though, that water can be harmful, so you should have some concerns about hardwood flooring in the Portland weather.
Come into the Marion?s Carpet Warehouse showroom in Portland, OR, to let the pros show you how to protect your wood flooring.
Meanwhile, here are some tips:
As always, prevention is better than treatment, so protect your floors on a day-to-day basis. Wipe up spills immediately and when you clean, only use a manufacturer-approved product with a damp mop or cloth. No need to soak them, as excess water will only damage the floor.
Protecting Hardwood Flooring From Portland Weather.
Solid wood, in an effort to adjust to weather, expands and contracts. It swells in humid, moist climates.
The first thing you should do is acclimate it before installing. Leave the opened box in the room where you are going to install for about two to three days before the actual installation, so the flooring can get used to it.
Keep a mat or area rug in front of your door, so that people don?t drag in moisture on their shoes. If anything, be it an area rug, article of clothing, appliance, etc. gets wet and falls on the floor, remove it immediately.
One way to waterproof your hardwood flooring installation is to use a sealant; these are usually oil or water-based, and they not only protect, but also bring out the natural beauty of the floor. The polyurethane sealant contains various resins and dries quickly. It also won?t yellow, so it?s especially good for light floors. You can get them in finishes ranging from glossy to soft lusters.
Waxing after sealing is a good idea, as it not only preserves the sealant, but it also gives your floor even more of a safeguard against moisture. From an aesthetic point of view, it adds another layer of shine.
Another good sealant is a lacquer. Lacquers bring out a rich tone, but they?re best used on darker woods, because they tend to yellow.
Make sure to inspect pipes and fixtures regularly to look for leaks, and consider using dehumidifiers.
Marion?s Carpet Warehouse wants to be sure you and your floor enjoy a long life!
