Ambient Conditions
During the life of the floor ambient humidity must be maintained within the range of 45% to 65% RH and 18 to 24°C. This includes during periods when the property is unoccupied such as during holidays. Please note that high humidity may lead to warping and other issues, whilst excessive drying caused by high temperature &/or low humidity may lead to splits and warping. Avoid rapid changes in temperature.
Entrance Mats
Always have internal and external entrance matting at all entrances to the property; this will help prevent abrasive particles being carried onto the floor, and will extend the life of the floor finish.
Protect From Furniture
Use self-adhesive felt pads on flat furniture feet to protect the floor from excessive scratching, and use felt based castor cups under wheeled furniture. A purpose made polypropylene floor mat must be used below wheeled office chairs. (Note: Heavy scratching will break the seal of the lacquer causing damage to the timber by ingress of dirt and moisture from cleaning).
Foot Traffic
Stiletto heels may damage wood floor finish and cause compression marks on some wood species, and are not recommended for use on wood floor. Avoid heavy work boots with abrasive soles and thick treads which can retain abrasive objects such as gravel stones. In areas of high foot traffic pay special attention to daily cleaning and where possible use protective rugs and matting.
Pet Care
Keep pet’s claws well trimmed to avoid scratches and protect areas where they sleep and feed to avoid damage from moisture and spills.
Sunshine
Wood is a natural material and is affected by UV light. As with the blackened oak beams of ancient houses all wood will mellow and change colour with sunlight. Oak will mellow and become and richer in tone whilst grey brown of American Black Walnut will turn a more golden hue. Each species will react in dfferent ways to UV light. In rooms with large windows especially those which are south facing, special care should be taken to reposition furniture and rugs to ensure an even colour across the floor. Floors treated with stains and lyes are more stable in strong UV conditions.
Clean Up Spills
Avoid standing water or liquid. Mop up any liquid spills quickly and never allow spills to stay on the surface for any length of time. If moisture ingresses into the surface of your floor it may cause lasting damage.
Regular Cleaning
Daily/weekly cleaning consists of sweeping with a soft broom or dust attracting flat head mop. Floors can be periodically cleaned with an almost dry wrung out mop, avoiding use of excess moisture. NEVER WET MOP WOODEN FLOORS. All spills must be wiped up immediately with an absorbent kitchen towel.