Many people mistakenly believe that the screening and recoating process can be done once the finish has worn through. However, by the time the finish has reached this stage, the floor is no longer suitable for screening and recoating. This procedure needs to be performed before the finish becomes too thin or completely worn through, when visible signs of wear and damage are apparent.
As shown in the example below, where the finish has worn through and deep scratches are present, the floor is not a suitable candidate for a buff and coat. Additionally, any drum marks resulting from a poorly executed sanding job further complicate the situation.
It is crucial to screen and recoat your floors well before they reach the advanced stage described earlier. This preventive approach is comparable to applying sunblock to your skin.
Just as sunblock needs to be applied before your skin is exposed to the sun and reapplied throughout the day as the protective layer wears thin, you should also take proactive measures with your hardwood floors. If you allow the finish to wear thin and the floor to become damaged, it becomes too late to address the issue effectively. Regardless of how much finish is applied afterward, once the damage is done, it's done.
To ensure optimal protection for your floors, pay close attention to high-traffic areas in your home, such as kitchens, entrances, hallways, areas under chair legs, and spots where furniture experiences heavy foot traffic. When you start noticing signs of wear and tear in these areas, it's time to consider adding another coat of finish to provide additional protection.
On average, a general time frame for screening and recoating is every 3-5 years, although the frequency may vary depending on the amount of traffic your floors receive.
There are cases when a floor has significant damage that exceeds the capabilities of a screen and recoat.
If your hardwood floor has deep scratches, pet urine stains, water damage from pot plants, UV discoloration, gray worn-out areas, or layers of caked-on floor polish, like the one shown in the photo below, no amount of buffing or new finish application will be able to completely hide or repair these unsightly and damaged areas.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of businesses and franchises claiming to offer fast and cost-effective methods for restoring hardwood floors, without the mess and dust associated with traditional sanding and refinishing.
While these claims may seem appealing, it's important to weigh up their accuracy against the reality.Simply buffing and applying a new topcoat over damaged, scratched, dented, discolored and worn-through floors may seem like an easy solution, but it is not always effective. Unfortunately, if these damaged areas are not addressed before the new finish is applied, they will still be visible - and may even be highlighted by the new finish.
Therefore, it's important to be cautious when considering any service that promises quick and easy fixes for hardwood flooring issues. Make sure you research thoroughly, read reviews and check the credentials of any company you're considering, to ensure you're getting the best service for your hardwood floors.
Stairs experience heavy foot traffic, so it's essential to choose a carpet that can withstand daily wear and tear. Look for carpets with a high-quality construction and dense pile, as these features contribute to the carpet's longevity.
Seattle's spring season brings mild temperatures and moderate humidity levels, which are perfect for installing various flooring types. The moderate weather conditions ensure that materials like hardwood, laminate, and vinyl won't expand or contract excessively due to temperature fluctuations, leading to a more seamless and successful installation.
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