Ceramic Tile Flooring - How to Take Care of Them

Tile Flooring Chicago

Many homeowners opt to install ceramic tile floors as part of their home improvement project. One of the reasons is because, well, they are basically very lovely to look at. However, just like with other flooring materials, if they are not maintained properly then it's as if you're just throwing money right out the window.

Installing new floors, especially ceramic tile flooring, is a big investment. Just like purchasing a new car or a new house, you would want to take care of said investment to gain the most value out of it. With that being said, read on to know how to take care of your ceramic tile flooring after the installation has been done.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR CERAMIC TILE FLOORING

Turn Sweeping Into a Habit

If you used to think that sweeping is a tiresome chore, then better rethink those thoughts because now you're going to have to do them on a regular basis. In fact, sweeping is a very simple yet effective way in keeping the longevity of your floors, well, long.

Dirt, dust, and small debris can adhere onto the surface of the floor, and there are some scenarios wherein more of these elements are seen on them (i.e. kids returning home after playing in the mud). Even if the residues are already dry, it can still become quite a mess and would not look pretty. Furthermore, these particles (when stepped on) can create permanent scratches onto the ceramic tile material. Hence, make it a habit to sweep regularly.

Use a Mat or Rug

Speaking of scratches, there is also a way to prevent that and that is by placing a rug or a mat right before the entrance of the room where the tile floor is located. Make it a habit to remind household members and guests to wipe off their shoes and footwear on said mat before entering the room.

Mop Weekly

Aside from using your trusty broom, mopping the tile flooring is also a great idea that you should hold onto to maintain the beauty of the floor. Mopping on a weekly basis with lukewarm water will give you the best results. Doing so can retain the luster of the ceramic tiles.

If you don't have ceramic tile flooring but have already decided on installing them for your home, then don't forget to contact CCC Floors for all your installation needs. Our professional assistance will be able to assist you from start to finish.

Hardwood Flooring Installation – Why Install During the Cold Seasons

There are many household owners that would install new floors during great weather conditions. After all, when the weather is good, there would less things to worry about in terms of preparation. However, there are some people who would be taken aback when they get in touch with professional flooring installationcontractors when they hear the news that it might be best to set up the new flooring during the colder weather, especially when we’re talking about hardwood floors.

What many do not know is that hardwood flooring installation during the winter season promotes advantages that may not be acquired during other seasons.

HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION DURING WINTER

The Floorboards Will Change Size Due to the Shift in Temperature

Water is crucial for life to exist and it plays a vital role in organic substances, which would include the natural wood material that is about to be installed in your home as your new floor. These floorboards will expand when heated and will shrink in colder temperatures.

Professionals in the flooring installation industry can tell you that it is quite difficult to properly space the boards during summer, primarily because of the heat. This is because the wooden material will swell and it can be quite hard to install them. However, when installed during the cold seasons, the hardwood materials will shrink, in which professionals can give an allowance when they install it in your home. This can then lessen the possibility of unsightly gaps, which would otherwise happen if the floorboards are installed during the summer.

Moisture is Less Likely to be Trapped Underneath the Wooden Flooring During Winter

When installing hardwood floors during the colder seasons, the material is less likely to warp and buckle over time. This is because there is less chance for moisture to be produced underneath the flooring during the cold season, which may otherwise happen if the floor is installed during summer. Furthermore, if there exists moisture underneath the flooring, it can promote the growth of molds and mildew.

If you are about to install your new hardwood floors, whether as DIY or through professional assistance, do not lay them down immediately; have them get acclimated by leaving them in a certain spot in your home for about 24-hours. When that’s done, then you or the contractors can begin with the work

If you are indeed looking for professional help for hardwood flooring installation, you can contact CCC Floors for all of your floor installation needs. 

Laminate Flooring Installation – Preparing the Subfloor

Laminateflooring installation is not just about blatantly placing the new material onto the floor and it will magically fix itself for you. Installing laminate floors is a morecomplicated procedure than that, and it involves getting the subfloor ready.

Laminate Flooring Installation

While laminate is designed to cover any subfloor surface without being fixed to it, it does not mean that you would no longer prepare the subfloor and instead place the new flooring material over it immediately. There are a few requirements that you should meet prior to installing the laminate floor.

PREPAING THE SUBFLOOR FOR LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION

The Subfloor Must be Clean

Once you remove any existing floor material (tile, hardwood, etc.), make sure to sweep or vacuum the subfloor to remove any dust, dirt, and small debris. Why is this so important? So that when you place the laminate floors, there won’t be any bulge or unevenness that may occur.

The Subfloor Must be Fixed

When you remove your existing floor and reveal that there are areas on the subfloor that needs fixing, such as cracks or holes, then promptly remedy them first. Furthermore, if the subfloor is of a wooden material, make sure that there are no loose boards or nails that are sticking out of the surface.

The Subfloor Must be Dry

It is a rule of thumb to never install laminate over a wet surface. Therefore, if the area has a drain or moisture problem then promptly fix that problem first prior to installing the laminate floor. If the subfloor is quite new and it is made with concrete, make sure that it has fully dried first before placing the laminate material. Otherwise, you will have more than just a sticky situation to worry about.

The Subfloor Must be Solid

Laminate is generally a very lightweight material, so it makes sense that the subfloor needs to be a whole lot tougher than it is. Therefore, make sure that the subfloor is sturdy and solid enough to handle the weight of furniture, appliances, and people. Otherwise, make sure that it does so that you won’t worry about damaging your new floors (or your whole room falling down).

Should you be in need of assistance in preparing the subfloor, or for the entire laminate flooring installation process for that matter, then why not get in touch with professionals in the industry instead of handling the job as DIY? A reputable company, such as CCC Floors, will be able to assist you from start to finish.