Page 65 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance • Raised nail heads are caused by the natural movement and shrinkage of floor joists below the floor. If a nail head becomes visible through resilient flooring you may want to try placing a block of wood over it and then hitting it with a hammer to reset the nail. If you are uncomfortable trying this, a qualified installer can do it for you. • In some circumstances you may be able to visibly see the ridges and/or joints of the under layment below the floor. While we have tried to minimize this, some ridges and joints are unavoidable. These are normal and not a warranty item. • For resilient floor cleaning and maintenance guidelines please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. FLOORS - TILE FLOORS Ceramic tile is easy to maintain and impervious to water. For everyday cleaning use a broom or your vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust and grit. Chipping, scratching, and cracking of floor tiles can be caused by putting heavy furniture directly onto the surface. Minimize the damage and reduce skidding by placing flat furniture protectors underneath furniture wheels and legs. Maintenance Guidelines • For spills or tougher dirt use a slightly damp mop or rag, and wipe the area up completely. Water seeping through the grout and under the baseboard trim can cause lifting, grout cracks, and tile separation. • Abrasive cleaners should not be used as they can cause surface scratching in the tile and deterioration of the grout between the tiles. • Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper cleaning. FLOORS - HARDWOOD FLOORING Like tile and vinyl flooring, sweeping your hardwood floors frequently will help eliminate scratches in the woodwork and the chance of tracking dirt to other areas of your home. But unlike other floor coverings, hardwood flooring is a natural product and is affected by the weather. During the changing seasons and during times of high humidity, your hardwood floors will actually breath, moving in and out. The spacing (and sometimes squeaking) between the boards is natural and not a cause for concern. In addition, because your hardwood floors are a natural product each piece of wood may take stain or varnish differently. This is natural and adds a unique charm to your home. Maintenance Guidelines • Never wash or wet-mop wood floors. Excess moisture can penetrate the finish causing discoloration and warping. • Do not use cleaning products that contain excessive wax or oil. Additionally do not wax your hardwood floors. Wax and other wax or oil based cleaning products will build up on the surface and begin to dull it. In time, additional finish coats will not adhere properly. • A very small amount of warm water on a slightly damp cloth or mop should take care of most dirt. When you are done wiping, completely dry the area leaving no liquid on the surface. • We recommend purchasing throw rugs for entries, in front of the kitchen sink, and in other high traffic areas to avoid the accumulation of dirt. However, make sure that they are not rubber backed which can stain or damage the floor. • Never let any liquid stand on your floor. This can cause staining and warping of the surface. Instead wipe up all spills quickly to prevent these problems. • Like your vinyl flooring, hardwood floors can be damaged by sharp surfaces. Therefore, we suggest that you purchase protective pads for chairs, tables, and other furniture. When moving furniture and appliances, take extra care to not scratch or gouge the floor. Protective pads under furniture legs will help prevent scratches. • New wood floor shrinkage and warping, especially around heat vents, or any heat producing appliances, produce cracks between pieces of flooring. This is a normal characteristic of the product. • If your floors have a polyurethane finish, in six months to one year, you may want to have an extra coat of polyurethane applied. This should be done by a qualified contractor. The exact timing will depend on your particular lifestyle. If another finish was used please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Edition July 2019 | 47