The reason that so many business owners and home owners are looking at hard surface floors is because they are long-lasting, easy to take care of and offer a range of colors, textures, and styles. There is an enormous responsibility on the part of the flooring contractors and installers to ensure that the flooring material is properly prepared and put in place the right way. After installation, the responsibility shifts to the customer.
A customer has a responsibility to follow the instructions given for the flooring as they care for it through the years. Failure to properly clean and maintain the hard surface flooring can lead to all kinds of issues down the road and leave customers less than satisfied with their choice.
Here are 3 responsibilities that consumers have for their new floors:
1. Clean Floors Properly
Customers must ensure that the flooring is cleaned regularly and properly. Different floor surfaces require specific types of cleaners and cleaning tools for optimum performance. For example, customers should never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbing powder on tile flooring. Cleaning hardwood flooring with vinegar or ammonia-based products will quickly strip the protective finish of the floor. Customers can check with the contractor or installers on proper care techniques for long-lasting flooring.
2. Maintain Proper Environment
Different flooring materials do best in certain environmental conditions, specifically concerning moisture, heat and sunlight. A customer has to do their best to maintain the proper environmental conditions to which the flooring is acclimated. If environmental changes take place, the integrity of the flooring could be compromised. For example, if hardwood flooring is in an atmosphere with too much moisture, crowning or cupping of the wood planks could occur.
3. Regular Maintenance
Customers must perform regular maintenance on the flooring to keep it in its best condition. Generally, this means a customer needs to apply a finish regularly when necessary and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It can also mean taking care of cracks, gaps, or other problems right away so that the floor remains safe, resilient and beautiful.
All in all, the care and consideration which a customer gives to their new hard surface flooring goes a long way in extending the life and look of any area. It’s up to the customer to ensure that proper care is given to their flooring, no matter what kind of material.
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