Although it only seems like the blink of an eye since last winter, before we know it the nights will be seriously drawing in and we’ll be thinking of switching on the central heating. There’s little doubt that you’ll already have thought about sending your duvets off to be laundered (if you haven’t already done so); you’ll have started to prepare your garden and may even have given your decking the once over for the cold months ahead, but what should you be doing with your wood flooring to get it ready for winter?
One of the first things you should do is check your flooring for gaps, cracks or splits that might let draughts through. It is crazy to switch your heating on only to let cold draughts whistle through your home via gaps in your wood flooring. There are three key ways to fill gaps in your wood flooring, they are: using a dust and resin filling; putting filler strips in between boards or by applying a colour matched acrylic filler to the gaps. You’ll find out more here. Whichever option you choose, the time you spend filling the gaps in your wood floor before winter will pay dividends, both in terms of your comfort and your heating bills.
Once you’ve made sure that your floor is in good order, it’s a good idea to give your floor a really good clean and if necessary re-oil it or repair any scratches in the lacquer. This oil is particularly good if you’re planning a re-oil: When it comes to cleaning your floor, your job will be a whole lot easier if you can clear the whole room, but if that’s not possible, then at least move your furnishings to one side so you can get a clear run at sections of your room, one by one. If your floor is only lightly soiled, all you’ll need to do is vacuum it carefully and then go over it with a damp, not wet mop. If your floor needs a deeper clean, then it’s a good idea to invest in a specialist wood floor cleaner that’ll give it a good, deep-down clean.
When you’ve satisfied yourself that your floor is free of gaps and thoroughly cleaned, it’s time to take preventative measures and the best way to do this is to invest in good quality doormats. While you’ll never be able to reach the point whereby no dirt comes into your home from outdoors, by investing in good quality doormats and politely but firmly asking people to use them, you’ll improve your chances enormously. The dust and dirt that comes into your home from outside are one of the worst enemies of the surface of your floor because they sit on its surface and scratch away at its finish until they’re removed. Installing an outdoor doormat, which is backed up with an indoor mat will dramatically reduce the amount of damaging dirt that gets into your home. The simple action of wiping feet thoroughly will pay serious dividends for your wooden floor, particularly during the winter months, when humidity is particularly high.
Fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels can also play havoc with your wood floor, particularly in the winter months so it’s well worth trying to keep the temperature in your home consistent. Fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels can cause wooden floor boards to expand and contract significantly which can in turn give rise to buckling, warping and gaping. By making sure that you keep the temperature and moisture levels in your home consistent, you’ll protect your floor for the years ahead.
Rugs are a great way to add interest and charm to your interior décor at the same time as helping your room seem cozier. Particularly effective in hallways and living rooms, rugs will not only make your room seem warmer, but they will block out any remaining draughts that might sneak their way through your floor boards. When you choose rugs to place over wood flooring, make sure they don’t have a rubber backing because it could stifle the floor and could prevent it from being able to breathe properly. If at all possible, choose rugs that are made from natural materials, such as wool, cotton or natural fabric blends. If you are concerned about slipping, you should fix anti slip strips or patches to the bottom of your rug.