WOOD BATHROOM FLOOR, CORK BATHROOM FLOORS

WOOD OR CORK BATHROOM FLOORS: WOOD: There are many types of wood floors. Parquet flooring is one of the more common. Parquet floors are easy to install and come in many shades and types of wood. Parquet floors were used in the original construction of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. 3/8" to 5/8" plywood type "strip" wood flooring is commonly installed today. It seems to be installed more often today, than the "solid" wood floors which were 3/4 inch "tongue and groove." There are a few important rules to be observed in maintaining any type of wood floor. These include keeping the surface as clean as possible. This requires cleaning every day in high traffic areas and at least once a week in other areas. Use a vacuum to pick up dirt and dust and wipe up spills as soon as they occur. If dirt gets ground in, it shortens the life of the finish and may darken and discolor the wood. Never scrub the floor with water, and do not use water based cleaners or waxes to clean it. Water can be very damaging to a wood floor, and to most of the finishes used on wood floors. Keep the surface waxed, and renew this waxed coating as soon as it shows signs of wearing off or when the surface starts to look dull. When simple vacuuming or sweeping won't get the floor clean, use a solvent-based cleaner-wax to get up the dirt. The solvents will dissolve the old wax on the surface so that it comes off on the applicator as the new coat is applied, with the dirt imbedded in the old wax as it comes up. The applicator cloth should be changed frequently as you work so you will not merely spread the same dirt around. Waxes, liquid or paste, should be applied sparingly, as a thin film dries harder and is less likely to absorb and hold dirt. A light film of wax is also less slippery than a heavy one. Most waxes stand up better if each new coat is vigorously buffed after application, not only to bring up the luster but also to make the wax harder and remove any excess. As a rule, waxing should not be required more than once or TWIce a year, even in frequently used rooms. An exception might be an entrance hall or similar area where people walk in from the outside. Here, waxing may be needed more often, if only for the cleaning action which rewaxing provides. CORK: Cork flooring will not withstand heavy traffic without being damaged. It will stain easily and will absorb odors readily. Non-yellowing waxes should be applied for some protection. Any floor covering materials laid over wood subfloors effectively prevents the inspector from determining the condition of the subfloor. Wood rot can go undetected if not visible to the inspector. Contact the inspection company for further information if you desire.  

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