Many
a house in Massachusetts will have hardwood floors adorning its
interior. Some home improvement experts claim that the material may even
improve the house’s resale value, but how can any homeowner work to maintain
their classic appearance with minimal effort? Here are some ideas:
Traffic Shield
Normally,
hardwood floors are polished and coated with special varnish or wax to prevent
dirt and spills from seeping into their grains. Unfortunately, even the
toughest finishing cannot withstand the onslaught of traffic. It is smart to
place rugs on high-traffic areas in your home, such as the living room,
kitchen, areas adjacent to exterior doors, and even the path to the bathroom.
Less Moisture
Hardwood
has a certain thermal expansion coefficient, which is influenced greatly by
humidity. Too much airborne humidity can cause boards to separate, forming gaps
that can make the entire floor look unsightly. To prevent these unwanted
changes, install a dehumidifier that can keep your home’s indoor humidity level
in check.
Covered Up
Some
species of hardwood are photosensitive, and their color fades quickly when
exposed to sunlight for a long period. Sometimes, they are sensitive even to
indoor lighting. If you have this kind of hardwood, consider installing drapes
to reduce the sunlight that enters your home during the day, and switch to a
less radiant indoor lighting.