Floor safety and maintenance

Every home has a floor, and property owners can't afford to overlook routine maintenance and floor safety. A home inspection can provide added tips about where a floor needs attention, and it pays to be thorough before, during and after floor installation. Pick the best floor for the home, and make every transition between rooms and types seamless. The fastest way for a floor to fall into disrepair is to neglect regular cleanings, and a shoddy surface can create headaches and safety hazards.

Choose the right material

When it comes time to decide on what type of floor to use, think about function and design. Different spaces in the home require unique options, and if the wrong one is chosen it can create problems, and increase wear and tear. If there are any damaged sections, a property inspection can determine what is an issue, and what needs to be fixed.

The kitchen can be the most used room in a home. There are multiple flooring options, including tile and hardwood. The cheapest and easiest to install remains vinyl and other resilient flooring, and homeowners on a budget often turn to this choice when trying to save money. A positive of vinyl, aside from price, is the number of different styles and colors available.

When a little more funds are allotted for floors, wood is a popular choice. It is a common selection for home owners, and many prospective home buyers prefer the look and feel of hardwood to less expensive options. The best type depends on preference and the room it will be used in. The most durable variations are oak, maple and cherry, while softer woods like pine might dent if something is dropped on it. It can make more sense to choose a resilient hardwood for a kitchen, and use a different choice for a living room or bedroom.  

Consider how a floor looks in a showroom compared to a home, and pick one that has the right finish and contrasting elements to other woods in the space.

The most expensive flooring option is stone and tile, and they are great ideas for a room that has heavy foot traffic. They are durable, and can provide a classy and elegant feel for the home. Depending on the design style, these might be the way to go.

Transition from room to room seamlessly

A difficult aspect about creating a safe and beautiful floor is the transition. Whenever possible, create edges and seams that are flawless, and don't leave any exposed areas. A property inspection can provide knowledge about sections of a house that needs extra attention.

Many different floor choices, like heavy tiles and stones, require stronger sub-floors and other precautions to ensure safety. The Tile Council of North America has guidelines for the proper measurements. When combining two floors, the easiest way to do so is with a transition strip. Make sure to leave enough space under doors, so they still close correctly. Think about leaving hardwood thick, avoiding a feathered edge - when meeting tile, both can expand and contract, and a stronger edge means it will be safer, durable, and have room to move.

The best way to preserve a floor is to stay on top of regular maintenance. Remove all dirt and water promptly, and all wet floors are a safety hazard. Loose rugs can also cause a person to slip and fall, as will uneven or broken flooring and poor transitions. Mold can appear in wet carpeting, and dirt and dust buildup might aggravate allergies. 

Home inspection services can provide help when deciding how to best repair and maintain a home, and quality floors are both safe and attractive.