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Posted on July 17, 2023
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Walking on a beautifully polished wooden floor is a delight for the senses. The rich hues, distinctive grains, and classic elegance offer an unparalleled aesthetic appeal. However, like any other household element, wooden floors can also present safety hazards if not properly maintained. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to ensure your wooden floor isn’t a safety hazard, maintaining its beauty while keeping you and your loved ones safe.
Before delving into the solutions, it’s essential to identify the common safety hazards associated with wooden floors.
Slips and Falls Highly polished wooden floors can become slippery, especially when wet, making them a potential accident site.
Splinters and Cracks Over time, wooden floors can develop splinters and cracks, which can cause injuries if not promptly addressed.
Uneven Surfaces Improper installation or wear and tear can lead to an uneven surface, a tripping hazard, particularly for the elderly or very young.
Fading and Discoloration Though not a direct physical hazard, severe discoloration can camouflage other issues, making it hard to spot potential dangers.
Preventing accidents starts with a clean and well-maintained floor.
Regular cleaning eliminates dust, dirt, and grime that can make your wooden floors slippery.
Polishing restores the shine of your wooden floor, but overpolishing can make it too slick. Use a high-quality, non-slip polish designed for wooden floors. Periodic refinishing can also be done every 3-5 years to remove surface scratches and cracks and restore the floor’s lustre.
Being vigilant for any signs of damage can prevent small problems from becoming big hazards.
Tiny splinters can be gently removed using tweezers, and the spot can be sealed with a small amount of wood filler. For larger cracks, you may need to use a wood filler, sand it smooth, and then refinish the area to match the rest of the floor.
If your floor is uneven, it might be due to loose floorboards or a problem with the subfloor. Smaller problems can be fixed by screwing the board down or replacing a single board. More severe unevenness may require professional assistance.
Some additional measures can make your wooden floor safer without compromising its beauty.
Various products on the market can be applied to wooden floors to increase their slip resistance. These range from anti-slip coatings and sprays to anti-slip tapes and strips, which can be particularly useful on stairs.
Strategically placed area rugs or runners can add an extra layer of slip resistance. They can be particularly helpful in high-traffic areas or places where the floor is likely to get wet, like near doors or the kitchen sink.
Well-lit spaces allow you to spot and avoid potential hazards. Make sure all areas of your home, especially those with wooden floors, are adequately lit.
Periodic inspections by a professional can catch problems that you might have overlooked. They can also provide expert advice on maintaining and preserving your wooden floors.
Wooden floors are a beautiful addition to any home, and with a little attention and care, you can ensure they remain safe for everyone to enjoy. Regular cleaning, timely repairs, and safety enhancements can help prevent most hazards associated with wooden floors. By understanding the potential issues and how to address them, you can enjoy the beauty of your wooden floors for many years without worrying.
We provide virtually dust-free sanding with our continuous belt machinery with mobile extraction units, giving you a safer environment for your family.
This organic finish not only adds beauty to your home but also has exceptional water-repellent characteristics, making it easier to clean and maintain.
This natural floor finish offers the softest and most mellow appearance – and leaves your floor able to breath.
Using soft buffing machines (and hand-polishing where required) will bring a wonderful sheen to your newly-finished floor.
We offer a full assessment of your wooden floors to determine what repairs are needed to provide the perfect working surface for the later stages of sanding, staining and sealing.
We offer a comprehensive restoration process designed to address floors that are improperly fitted or damaged over time through wear and tear.
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