Protecting your floors during home renovations or moving is crucial to maintaining the quality and appearance of your flooring.
Without proper protection, floors can easily become scratched, scuffed, stained, or otherwise damaged during the renovation or moving process.
We will provide practical tips and best practices for choosing the right type of protection for your specific flooring material.
We will also cover the different types of floor protection available, such as Ram Board, Carpet Film, Masonite Sheets, Surface Shields, and Drop Cloths.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your floors remain in excellent condition and continue to add value and aesthetic appeal to your space.
Preparing for Home Renovations or Moving
Before beginning any home renovations or moving process, it's important to properly prepare your space.
This involves clearing the space of any clutter, decorations, or items that may get in the way.
Additionally, removing furniture from the space can help prevent accidental damage to both the furniture and the flooring surface.
Finally, protecting the walls can prevent accidental damage or scuffs from occurring during the renovation or moving process.
By taking these preparatory steps, you can ensure that your flooring surface remains safe and protected during the renovation or moving process.
Clearing the space
Clearing the space is an essential step in preparing for home renovations or moving.
This involves removing any items, clutter, or decorations that may be in the way of the renovation or moving process. It's important to clear the space completely.
This not only ensures that the space is clear for the renovation or moving process, but also helps prevent accidental damage to the items being moved.
By taking the time to properly clear the space, you can create a safe and efficient environment.
Removing furniture
Removing furniture is an important step in preparing your space for home renovations or moving.
Large pieces of furniture, such as sofas, beds, and tables, can be heavy and may cause damage to the flooring surface if dragged across it.
By removing furniture from the space, you can prevent accidental scratches, scuffs, or other damage to the flooring surface.
Additionally, removing furniture can create more space to work and move around during the renovation or moving process. This can help prevent accidents or injuries.
Protecting the walls
Protecting the walls is an important step in preparing your space for home renovations or moving.
During the renovation or moving process, items may accidentally bump into or scrape against the walls, causing damage or scuffs.
To prevent this from happening, it's important to protect the walls using various methods such as using protective coverings, such as drop cloths, or applying a temporary layer of protective film to the walls.
Additionally, taking the time to properly protect the walls can save time and money on repairs or repainting down the line.
Types of Floor Protection
There are various types of floor protection available to choose from, depending on your specific flooring material and needs.
By understanding the different types of floor protection available, you can choose the best option for your specific flooring material and needs.
Ram Board
WHAT IT IS
Ram Board is a heavy-duty, temporary floor protection material made of recycled materials.
Ram Board is thick and durable, making it ideal for use in high-traffic areas.
It is also breathable, which allows for proper airflow to prevent the growth of mold or mildew on the flooring surface.
Ram board can be easily cut to size and laid out over the flooring, providing a seamless layer of protection.
WHAT IT IS FOR
- Hardwood, Tile, Carpeting, Vinyl, Laminate
- Protection during construction, renovations, moves
- Temporary flooring
HOW TO USE IT
To install Ram Board, first, ensure that the floor is clean and dry.
Then, roll out the Ram Board and cut it to fit the space using a utility knife.
Overlap the seams of the Ram Board to ensure complete coverage, and use heavy-duty tape to secure the edges.
To remove Ram Board, simply lift it up from the floor and dispose of it properly.
Carpet Film
WHAT IT IS
Carpet film, also known as carpet protector, is a self-adhesive, temporary floor protection film designed specifically for use on carpeting.
It provides a barrier against dust, dirt, and spills, while also protecting the carpet from foot traffic and other damage.
WHAT IT IS FOR
- Carpeted flooring
- Protection during home renovations, moves
- Commercial settings where carpets need to be protected from high traffic or spills
HOW TO USE IT
To install carpet film, first, ensure that the carpet is clean and dry.
Then, unroll the carpet film and lay it out over the carpet, smoothing it out to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Use a carpet film applicator to press the film firmly into the carpet fibers.
To remove carpet film, simply lift it up from the carpet and dispose of it properly.
Masonite Sheets (Hardboard Sheets)
WHAT IT IS
Masonite sheets are a type of floor protection made from compressed wood fibers.
They provide a hard, durable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and protect floors from scratches, dents, and other damage.
Masonite Sheets are also reusable and can be easily moved from one location to another during the renovation or moving process.
They are environmentally friendly and made from recycled materials.
WHAT IT IS FOR
- Hardwood floors, Tile
- Cost-effective choice for long-term renovations or moves
HOW TO USE IT
To install Masonite sheets, first, ensure that the surface is clean and dry.
Then, lay the sheets over the floor, making sure that they overlap slightly to provide complete coverage.
Use a heavy-duty tape to secure the sheets in place, making sure that there are no gaps or seams.
To remove Masonite sheets, simply lift them up from the floor and store them for future use.
Surface Shields
WHAT IT IS
Surface shields are a type of adhesive film that provides temporary protection for floors during renovations or moves.
They are made from a tough, puncture-resistant material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and protect floors from scratches, dents, and other damage.
WHAT IT IS FOR
- Carpets, Hardwood floors, Tile, Vinyl, Laminate
- Short-term projects
HOW TO USE IT
To install surface shields, simply roll out the desired length of the shield onto the floor, adhesive side down, and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles.
Be sure to overlap the edges of each section to create a seamless protective barrier.
Once you're done with the renovation or move, peel off the surface shield and dispose of it properly.
Drop Cloths
WHAT IT IS
Drop cloths are typically made of canvas, cotton, or plastic.
They provide a thick layer of protection that can absorb spills and prevent scratches and damage to the flooring surface.
They are available in various sizes and materials to suit different flooring types and project needs.
WHAT IT IS FOR
- Carpet, Hardwood, Tile, Concrete
- Painting, Drywall installation, Minor construction projects
HOW TO USE IT
To install, simply lay the drop cloth over the flooring surface and secure it in place with masking tape or painter's tape.
To remove, carefully fold the drop cloth and dispose of it properly. If it has absorbed any spills or debris, be sure to dispose of it in a trash bag or bin.
Best Practices for Floor Protection
Now, let's discuss choosing the right type of protection for your specific flooring material, properly measuring and cutting the protection material, securing the protection in place, and regularly checking and replacing protection as needed.
Choosing the right type of protection for your specific flooring material
The type of protection material you choose will depend on the specific flooring material you have.
It's important to choose a protection material that is compatible with your flooring material to ensure maximum protection.
Additionally, consider the durability of the material and whether it can withstand heavy foot traffic and equipment during the renovation or moving process.
- Hardwood Flooring: Ram Board, Surface Shields, Masonite Sheets
- Carpeted Flooring: Carpet Film, Drop Cloths
- Tile or Stone Flooring: Ram Board, Surface Shields, Masonite Sheets
- Vinyl or Laminate Flooring: Ram Board, Surface Shields
Properly measuring and cutting the protection material
Properly measuring and cutting the protection material is essential to ensure that your flooring surface is adequately protected during home renovations or moving.
Before cutting any protection material, it's important to measure the area to be covered accurately.
Once you have measured the area, transfer the measurements to the protection material and cut it to the appropriate size.
It's important to ensure that the protection material fits the area snugly to prevent any gaps where spills or debris can seep through.
Additionally, it's crucial to cut the protection material carefully to prevent damage to the flooring surface or the protection material itself.
Securing the protection in place
Once you have cut the protection material to the appropriate size, it's important to secure it in place to prevent any movement or slippage.
This can be done by using masking tape, double-sided tape, or specialized floor protection tape.
IMPORTANT TIP: Use a tape that is compatible with both the protection material and the flooring surface to prevent any damage.
When securing the protection material in place, make sure that there are no wrinkles or gaps where debris or spills can seep through.
Additionally, it's important to avoid using tape directly on the flooring surface as it can leave residue or cause damage.
Regularly checking and replacing protection as needed
Over time, protection materials can become worn or damaged, making them less effective at preventing spills or debris from seeping through to the flooring surface.
To avoid this, it's important to regularly check the protection materials to ensure that they are still providing adequate protection.
This can be done by visually inspecting the materials for signs of wear or damage, such as tears or holes.
If you notice any damage or wear, it's essential to replace the protection material immediately.
Additionally, it's important to replace the protection material periodically, even if no visible signs of wear are present.
This will ensure that the protection is at its most effective and will provide maximum coverage throughout the renovation or moving process.
Removing Floor Protection
The final step in protecting your flooring surface during home renovations or moving is removing the protection material and cleaning the flooring.
Properly removing and disposing of the protection material
Properly removing and disposing of the protection material is essential to avoid any damage to the flooring surface or surrounding areas.
When removing the protection material, it's important to do so carefully to prevent any tears or damage to the flooring surface.
If the protection material is taped down, start by gently peeling up the tape and removing the protection material in small sections.
Once the protection material has been removed, it's important to dispose of it properly.
Depending on the type of protection material used, it may be recyclable or require special disposal methods.
IMPORTANT TIP: Check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal instructions.
Cleaning and restoring the flooring surface
Once the protection material has been removed, it's important to thoroughly clean and restore the flooring surface.
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the surface to remove any debris or dust that may have accumulated during the protection period.
Next, use a damp mop or cloth to remove any remaining dirt or residue.
Depending on the type of flooring surface, you may need to use a specific cleaning solution or polish to restore the surface to its original condition.
For example, hardwood floors may require a specialized cleaning solution and a hardwood floor polish to restore their shine and protect them from future damage.
On the other hand, carpeted floors may require steam cleaning or a carpet shampoo to remove any remaining stains or odors.
IMPORTANT TIP: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any cleaning or restoration products used on your flooring surface to avoid any damage or discoloration.
Conclusion
Protecting your floors during home renovations or moving is essential to avoid costly damage and ensure that your flooring surface remains in top condition.
Properly preparing the space, choosing the right type of protection, and following best practices for installation and maintenance can help you protect your floors and preserve their quality.
If your floors get damaged in the process and you want to buy more durable flooring, check out our Shaw COREtec collection. COREtec offers 7" x 48" durable planks and features a lifetime residential warranty.
Additional tips for floor protection during home renovations or moving
In addition to the tips and best practices mentioned above, here are some additional tips to help protect your floors during home renovations or moving:
- Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches and scuffs on hardwood floors.
- Avoid dragging heavy items across the floor, as this can cause damage to the surface.
- Consider using a floor mat or rug in high-traffic areas to provide additional protection.
- Cover any exposed vents or ducts to prevent dust and debris from settling on the flooring surface.
- If possible, schedule any major renovations or construction work when the house is unoccupied to minimize the risk of damage to your floors.
Remember, investing in floor protection during home renovations or moving can save you time and money in the long run.
By taking the necessary steps to protect your floors, you can ensure that your flooring surface remains in top condition for years to come.
Reach out to our expert team with any questions!