vcs floorworks PERTH everything for flooring

At VCS, we constantly recommend the use of good quality maintenance methods with timber floors. Timber floors are designed to last for many decades and in fact there are many examples of Floors made of timber that are more than 30 years old in Perth. In older buildings, some Floors exceed 100 years . This testifies to the potential longevity of timber

Using good maintenance techniques is essential with timber floors for several important reasons:

Longevity and Durability: Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the timber floor. Regular cleaning, timely repairs, and protective measures prevent premature wear and damage, ensuring the floor remains in good condition for many years.

Aesthetic Appeal: Timber floors are a significant visual feature in any space. Good maintenance preserves their appearance by preventing scratches, stains, and fading, keeping the floor looking attractive and well-kept.

Preventing Damage: Timber is susceptible to moisture, scratches, and other forms of damage. Using appropriate maintenance techniques—such as using furniture pads, controlling humidity in extreme condition*, and cleaning with suitable products—helps prevent issues like warping, swelling, or surface scratches.

Cost Savings: Regular maintenance reduces the need for costly repairs or complete replacement. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into major problems that require extensive work.

Maintaining Safety: Well-maintained floors provide a safer environment by minimizing the risk of slips, trips, and falls caused by uneven surfaces, loose boards, or accumulated debris.

Preserving Value: For commercial or rental properties, well-maintained timber floors can enhance property value and appeal, making spaces more attractive to tenants or buyers.

Environmental Benefits: Proper care can also be more environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste and the need for frequent replacements, and often involves using eco-friendly cleaning products.

In summary, good maintenance techniques are vital for protecting the investment in timber flooring, ensuring it remains functional, beautiful, and safe over time. This includes regular cleaning, controlling humidity in extreme conditions, using protective pads, and addressing issues promptly.

Standard Maintenance.

1. Keep dust and grit to a minimum. Using mats in entries is an excellent way to reduce grit.
2. Vacuum or sweep with a soft head. Some stiff bristles will damage a floor coating. A soft head is essential.
3. Use a non-residual timber floor solution in your water when damp mopping the floor. Never flood a timber floor with water. A damp mop is ideal.
4. Do not use a strong soapy solution on the floor as it will make the floor streaky and dull.
5. Use felts under furniture to reduce and tendency to scratching
6. Use mats under office chairs
7. Be aware of what type of air-conditioning is in use. If evaporative note the cautions listed below. If refrigerative it is good to have a source of moisture in the room – even a kettle is sufficient moisture in most homes for the air to take up a little moisture.

Floors That Are Over 100 Years Old in Australia

In Australia, timber floors that boast over a century of history are not just architectural features; they represent a rich tapestry of heritage and craftsmanship. Here are several prominent examples that underline the beauty and durability of these historic timber floors:

1. The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.  Completed in 1880, this UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning timber floors that have withstood the test of time. The exquisite craftsmanship and materials used in this iconic building highlight the standard of construction prevalent during the era.

2. The Sydney Town Hall: Finished in 1889, this grand structure boasts remarkable timber floors crafted from Australian hardwoods. These floors have contributed to the building’s aesthetic appeal while standing resilient against the passage of time.

3. Old Treasury Building, Melbourne: Dating back to the mid-19th century, this building has maintained its intricate timber flooring for over 150 years. The floors not only enhance the building’s historical significance but also reflect the artistry of 19th-century workmanship.

4. The General Post Office, Sydney This architectural landmark, constructed between 1866 and 1891, features original timber floors that serve as a reminder of the building’s storied past. The durability of these floors has allowed them to remain in excellent condition even after more than a century.

5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne: Built between 1858 and 1940, the cathedral showcases beautiful timber flooring that harmonizes with its majestic interior. The floors have been a foundational element of this cherished place of worship for generations.

Each of these examples not only showcases the timeless appeal of timber flooring but also signifies an enduring legacy that continues to inspire modern architecture. The ability of these floors to endure challenges such as wear and tear underscores the high quality of materials and craftsmanship prevalent over a century ago. Investing in timber flooring today carries forward this legacy, ensuring that your space can enjoy both beauty and durability for years to come.

High Humidity Is a Concern for Timber Floors

• High humidity can significantly affect the performance of timber floors in several ways:

• Swelling and Expansion: Timber is a natural material that absorbs moisture from the environment. When humidity levels are high, the wood absorbs moisture, causing it to swell and expand. This can lead to warped or buckled floors, where the planks lift or shift out of alignment.

• Cupping and Crowning: Excess moisture can cause the edges of a timber plank to rise while the center remains lower (cupping), or the center to rise above the edges (crowning). These distortions compromise the flatness and appearance of the floor.

• Increased Risk of Gaps and Cracks: When humidity levels fluctuate and then decrease, the timber can lose moisture and shrink. This shrinkage can lead to gaps between planks or cracks in the surface, affecting both aesthetics and structural integrity.

• Mold and Mildew Growth: High humidity creates a moist environment conducive to mold and mildew growth on or beneath the timber surface, which can cause staining, odors, and potential health issues.

• Damage to Finish and Coatings: Excess moisture can weaken or damage surface finishes, causing peeling, bubbling, or discoloration of protective coatings like varnish or sealant.

• Structural Damage Over Time: Chronic high humidity can weaken the structural stability of the timber, especially if it leads to sustained swelling, warping, or rot in severe cases.

• In summary, high humidity affects timber floors by causing them to swell, warp, cup, or crack, which diminishes their appearance, comfort, and structural integrity. To mitigate these effects, controlling indoor humidity levels (ideally between 40-60%) with dehumidifiers or proper ventilation is essential, along with regular maintenance and monitoring. Evaporative air-conditioners introduce significant amounts of moisture into the air and therefore it’s important to follow the instructions and have some form of additional ventilation so that high humidity does not build up in rooms where evaporative air conditioning is used.