.svg){kind=logo}
Winter is when we see the most avoidable floor damage. Nothing dramatic, just months of salt, slush and dry heat wearing the finish down a little every day. The good news is that most of it is easy to prevent.
Stop salt at the door
Rock salt and ice melt are abrasive and they leave a white film that dulls polyurethane. Put a coarse mat outside every entry and an absorbent one inside. Set up a boot tray so wet shoes never sit on bare wood. If salt residue does get on the floor, wipe it with a damp microfiber mop and a cleaner made for finished wood, then dry the spot.
Skip vinegar, steam mops and anything that leaves the floor soaking wet. They're hard on the finish over time.
Watch the humidity
When the heat runs all winter, indoor air gets very dry and wood gives up moisture. Boards shrink and you'll see thin gaps between them. That's normal seasonal movement and they usually close back up in the summer. Most wood flooring makers recommend keeping indoor humidity roughly between 35 and 55 percent. A simple hygrometer costs a few dollars and a humidifier helps a lot if your house runs dry.
Protect high traffic spots
The kitchen sink, the back door and the path to the couch take the most abuse. Felt pads under chairs and tables, a washable runner in the hallway and trimmed pet nails all add years to the finish.
When to call for a recoat
If the finish looks cloudy or worn in the traffic areas but the wood itself isn't damaged, a screen and recoat might be enough. It's faster and cheaper than a full sanding. If the wood is gray or the finish is gone, a full refinish in late winter or spring gets you ready for the rest of the year.
Our crew works out of Coventry and covers Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut. If you're not sure what your floor needs, book a free estimate and we'll take a look.
