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Flooring  /  December 28, 2022

How To Prepare for Flooring Installation in Calgary

How to prepare for flooring installation

When it’s time to replace your floors, hiring professional flooring services in Calgary is an excellent choice. Of course, to make the job easier and ensure quick completion, you need to prepare for installation. Here’s everything homeowners should know about preparing for new floors.

Check the Temperature

Did you know the temperature can impact your floor’s longevity? Many construction materials, including hardwood, contract when cold and expand when hot. As a result, flooring that fits perfectly during a winter installation can become overcrowded during the summer, even damaging the materials. That’s why experts recommend adjusting your thermostat at least one day before installation to allow your home to reach the ideal temperature, usually between 65 and 70 degrees. Optimal temperatures vary by material, so consult with your contractor beforehand.

Pack Fragile Items

Construction projects mean lots of people are coming and going, increasing the risk of accidents. To keep your fragile belongings safe, pack them until the job is finished. If you’re only getting flooring in one area, you can safely store fragile items in another room, but if you’re replacing floors throughout the house, you’ll need to pack belongings in boxes and keep them elsewhere.

To minimize the chance of breaking, wrap items in a cushioned layer:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Newspaper
  • Cloth

Additionally, be careful about mixing heavy and light items, as denser objects can accidentally crush other possessions. To avoid this, pack heavy items alone in small boxes; this approach safeguards other belongings while limiting the weight of each box.

Finally, fill empty spaces to prevent contents from shifting. Tissue paper, packing peanuts and even rolled-up socks are excellent options since they’re lightweight and can settle into tight, awkwardly-shaped spaces.

Clean the Floors

Before installing your new flooring, your contractor must remove the old materials. Since these will end up in the trash, there’s no point cleaning them, right? Actually, cleaning your old floors beforehand is essential for a smooth installation.

Old floors can accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander and even mould. During removal, these particles may enter the air, causing respiratory issues and spreading the problem throughout the house. Thoroughly cleaning the day before installation minimizes these risks.

Your cleaning approach will vary by material, as some are more delicate than others. However, you should do your best to remove dust, hair and crumbs first by sweeping or vacuuming. Then, you can mop the floor with vinegar or gentle cleaning agents to remove tough dirt and kill bacteria.

Store Furniture

Storing furniture is a little more complicated than shelving belongings since you need adequate space. If you have an attic, basement or storage shed, you can keep furniture there for a short time, but if there isn’t enough space, you may need to rent a personal storage unit. If you take this route, hiring professional movers is a good idea to ensure nothing gets scratched, scraped, chipped or dented. You should also cover upholstered furniture to protect it from dust.

Certain items, such as bookshelves, are easier to move when disassembled. During disassembly, keep screws in clearly labelled bags to make reassembly easier.

If possible, store your furniture in a climate-controlled space; most commercial storage units offer this option. When storing in non-climate-controlled areas such as the garage or shed, keep the furniture off the ground to prevent moisture and pests from hitching a ride. There are several affordable ways to accomplish this:

  • Lay down a drop cloth
  • Put down cardboard
  • Set items on cinder blocks or pallets

If you’re looking for carpentry services, Handyman Connection is here to assist. Our flooring experts can remove, repair and install a variety of materials, including hardwood. We take pride in providing top-notch service and helping homeowners make their house dreams come true. For more information, give us a call or visit us online.

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