When you're building your own home, you want to get every detail right, even down to the materials you choose. If you've decided to use reclaimed wood throughout your home, you've made the right decision. Reclaimed wood is a great way to add beauty and charm to your home, while doing something good for the environment. However, you do need to spend some extra time caring for your reclaimed wood. Without proper care, your reclaimed wood may splinter, crack, and peel. If you're not sure how to care for reclaimed wood, follow the tips provided below.
Provide Moisture Protection
When it comes to caring for your reclaimed wood, the first thing you need to do is ensure proper moisture protection. Exposure to moisture can cause serious damage to your reclaimed wood surfaces. One way to protect against moisture damage is to install a dehumidifier in your home. If you've chosen reclaimed wood for your flooring, be sure to use rugs at your entryways. This will prevent water from being tracked into your home. If you're using reclaimed wood for your cabinets, be sure to remove moisture buildup with a soft cloth. This is especially important in your kitchen and bathrooms.
Keep Reclaimed Wood Clean
Reclaimed wood will retain its beauty for many years, especially with the right cleaning routine. You can clean reclaimed wood floors by using a damp microfiber mop at least once a week. Cabinets can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. If your floors and cabinets get too dirty, you can use a mild detergent to clean them. However, be sure to avoid using any type of harsh cleaning chemicals on your reclaimed wood. If your reclaimed wood loses its shine, use a mild wood polish to restore the luster.
Protect Against Direct Sunlight
Now that you've decided to use reclaimed wood in your new home, you want to avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight. One way to do that is to use curtains or blinds on all of your windows. However, you can also protect against exposure by tinting your new windows. Not only will window tinting protect your reclaimed wood surfaces, it will also help to increase your home's energy efficiency.
Control Inside Temperatures
Finally, if your contractor is going to use reclaimed wood in your home, talk to them about installing a programmable thermostat as well. Reclaimed wood does best when the temperatures remain stable, which is where your programmable thermostat comes into the picture. A programmable thermostat will help to maintain a constant temperature inside your home, which will protect your reclaimed wood surfaces.
We all need and benefit from construction work. Even if you do not own a home, you benefit from the construction done on the space you rent. You also benefit from the construction work done on road, schools, playgrounds, and government buildings. There's no escaping the importance of construction in our society, and yet, most people know very little about the construction industry if they do not work in the industry themselves. We're going to help change that. Here, we will post articles on all sorts of topics related to construction and contractors. You should leave with a much better understanding of the role this work plays in our society and our world.