Where Does All the Heat Go

The Benefits of Hardwood Flooring
This week a friend had askd me what I thought about hardwood flooring. She said her husband liked carpet because he did not like to walk on a wood floor, especially in the winter. She likes the affect that hardwood floors have on room. So here are my thoughts and some tips…

The beauty and character of a wood floor has become so popular over the past few years that many homeowners are having them installed in their kitchens, powder rooms, and bathrooms. This would not have even been a consideration back in the seventies, eighties or nineties. Wood floors augment the look of non-contemporary, as well as, contemporary bath fixtures and kitchens allowing them a uniqueness and warmth found in older homes.
The concern for many before was the potential damage to the floor as a result of spilling, dropping things, or wear in high traffic areas. This is not the case any longer. Harder urethanes do a much better job of protecting wood floors and last much longer than they did years ago. Homeowners are also willing to care for them because of the aesthetic beauty they bring into the home. Wood flooring significantly enhances and flatters wall colors and furnishings throughout a home.
Wood floors also add value to a home because of their high demand. There is something distinctive about the old world charm they provide to a home. Wood floors, if properly installed and cared for, have a beauty that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and, further, increase the price tag of a home.

The NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) conducted a poll of Interior designers and over seventy-five percent chose wood floors, in any style of home, over other types of flooring. These designers valued natural materials over man-made, in beauty, toughness, style, maintenance and care.
Wood flooring comes in many different types, styles and widths. The different types and colors of wood flooring vary significantly, which can make it difficult when the time comes for you to make a selection.
Not only do we have to choose between the many types of wood floors, but now we also have to decide whether we want a regular ¾” floor, a laminated floor, or an engineered floor in our home.

Choosing an engineered floor over a standard solid wood floor can mean:
This style of floor can be installed below grade, where as, typical wood floors can not.
• During installation, dust is significantly reduced, since they do not have to be sanded. Although today they have floor scrapers that vacuum up the dust as the floor is being scraped for relatively the same price.
• Odor and fire hazard by the application of polyurethane is not a factor, given that it is applied at the factory. These finishes are applied in environmentally controlled areas making the application much more sustainable and even in the application.
• The time to install pre-finished floors, in many cases, and considering the area, usually takes a day; where as unfinished wood floors can take up to a week before you can walk on them and the smell can drive you out of the house. Three coats of polyurethane are applied after installation and each coat needs to dry and to be screened (very light sanding) before the next coat can be applied.
• Another important consideration when having your floor installed is the humidity and temperature in the home. Natural wood floors need at least three days to acclimatize to the temperature and humidity in the home, prior to being installed. If this is not done, the floors can buckle and the expense to repair them can be extensive, to say the least.

Taking Care of Your Wood Floors:
• Using wax on a wood floor can damage the finish. Buffing it should be adequate and enough to bring the shine back.
• Sweeping or vacuuming a wood floor is usually sufficient on a weekly basis and easier to vacuum than carpet.
• Wiping up spills immediately can eliminate the floor from absorbing the liquid, swelling and destroying the finish.
• Try not to walk on wood floors with cleats or high heels. According to the NWFA, a 125 lb. woman can exert 2,000 lbs. of pressure per square inch, making the possibility of denting the floor, not an unlikely act.
• When moving heavy furniture, try to pick it up. Sliding it can scratch the finish and remove the protective coating of polyurethane.
• Placing a throw rug in front of the sink can help to eliminate water getting on the floor. Water puddles on a floor for long periods of time can damage the texture and finish of a floor. Clean it up quickly.
• Where sand and dirt are prevalent before entering a home, a runner, throw rug or mat should be available at the doorway to prevent wearing down the finish.
• Direct ultraviolet rays from the sun can destroy and dull the finish on a wood floor. Install window treatments to minimize this from happening.
• Wet mopping can destroy the finish on a wood floor and is not recommended.

In my opinion, there is nothing like the look of a well maintained shiny wood floor. If your husband wants carpet you can always put that on the second level of your home, in the bedrooms. Good Luck
Hector Seda is author of ‘What Your Parents Never Told You About Owning A Home’. For a copy of the book go to: www.askhectoronline.com just $14.95 + S+H.

Hector’s next book, Repair For Resale published by Adams Media Publishing Group, Inc. will be released in the spring of 2008.

Hector Seda is a correspondent and subject matter expert for Comcast’s CN8, Philadelphia’s “Your Morning” Show; which is seen in over 14 million homes from Virginia to Maine. Locally it can be viewed on Cablevision’s channel 64.

KINDLY NOTE: We are looking for people that have been the recipient(s) of unfair play by a contractor. If you have been a victim, visit my website www.contractorcops.tv and tell me your story or send a letter to Ask Hector P.O. Box 254 Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 07442.

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