The garage is not simply an unimportant annex on your Houston property. In fact, it is an important room in your home. For many, it is the place where they keep their antique vehicles, or where they invite their friends over to watch the game and play a round of pool. Perhaps you are tired of tripping over hazardous cracks in your concrete or you simply want to spruce up the garage so that it is a beautiful space that flows into the rest of the home. The best way to accomplish these goals is to consider coating the garage floor. 

Regardless of your reasons for coating the floor, you will have to spend some time making decisions about the type of coating that you need. There are different materials to choose from, namely epoxy and polyaspartic, and each one is used for different situations. Here are the top five things to consider before diving into the process of coating your garage floor. 

Price

If price by itself were the only consideration, the decision might, perhaps, be an easy one. However, the discussion can become a little more complicated when you start taking into consideration the lifespan of the product, its durability, and maintenance. 

When comparing the face-value affordability of epoxy coatings and polyaspartic coatings, epoxy will win every time. It is up to three times cheaper than polyaspartic coatings. However, for most, this should not be the only consideration. Epoxy may be more susceptible to certain environmental factors that may or may not be present in your unique situation. Therefore, it is a good idea to do a little more research to find out if the money saved now will still pay off later. However, in many situations, epoxy is still a reliable choice. 

Environmental Factors

There are certain environmental factors that may help to determine which surface coating is the best for your garage. Homeowners who live in climates with extreme temperatures may be limited as to when epoxy flooring can be installed. Many epoxy coatings cannot be applied when it is too hot or too cold. Polyaspartic coatings, however, can be applied in a much greater variety of temperatures. This may be a consideration for Houston residents, as temperatures can become very hot in the summer. 

Houston can also be extremely humid. High levels of moisture are not always ideal for epoxy floors as the moisture pushing on it from underneath can cause damage over time. However, epoxy is much more slip-resistant. Polyaspartic coatings can be very slippery when wet and may need the extra expense of slip-resistant aggregate in order to make it safe.

Time Constraints and Safety Considerations

When it comes to both time constraints and safety considerations, polyaspartics may be a better choice. Polyaspartic coatings can be installed in one day and have a rapid cure time. This means that a coating can be applied without too much disturbance which can be very important for high traffic areas. They are also very low odor and do not produce harmful gasses. 

Epoxy, on the other hand, can take up to a month to properly cure, and the installation process itself may take several days. In addition, although many of the formulas have been improved to help alleviate this problem, epoxy releases off-gassing which can be harmful if proper equipment is not used. 

Wear and Tear

Bothy epoxy coatings and polyaspartic coatings are considered to be extremely strong, durable, and stain-resistant. When it comes to choosing between the two, there are very small differences. Epoxy is less resistant to UV exposure and may fade over time when exposed to UV light. It is also slightly more susceptible to abrasion damage. However, it is resistant to oil, gas, battery acid, and cleaning products making it a great option for garages. 

Polyaspartic coatings are resistant to many things such as UV damage, oils, and cleaning supplies. However, it is not a good option for areas with frequent battery acid spills as these can cause erosions in polyaspartic coatings. Polyaspartic coatings have more flexibility as well as more resistance to abrasion. 

Maintenance

Floors that have been treated with epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are very easy to maintain. However, epoxy floors can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and harsh scrubbing, and they will need to be kept clear of dirt and other abrasive substances. Polyaspartic flooring can also be sensitive to certain cleaners, and other cleaners may leave a film on the surface of the coating which can be unattractive or slippery. It is best to spot test cleaners and to only use harsh cleaners when there is a big spill. 

Final Thoughts

Once you have decided on a material, it is important to give thought to a few final considerations before moving forward. First, it is important to examine your existing floor to see if there are any signs of damage or remnants of previous concrete coatings before proceeding. Damaged floors will need to be repaired before a new coating is applied, and previous coatings will need to be removed. The surface will then need to be thoroughly prepared, making sure that it is free from dirt, oil, and other stains. 

Second, it is important to research the installation process for your project and to choose a professional in Houston who does a quality job, maintains great communication at all times, is always on time, sticks to the project schedule, and has transparent fees. Having professionals that you can trust is one of the most important aspects of a successful project. 

Both epoxy and polyaspartic coatings can be great choices for your garage floor. However, it is a good idea to think through your options and to choose the one that is best for your climate, home, and budget. 

Cutting Edge Flooring Services is a professional maintenance and installation company located in Houston, Texas. We are dedicated to providing our customers with products that show beautiful craftsmanship, while always offering affordable pricing. Contact our office today for a free estimate on your project.

Most homeowners remove their tiles for replacement or repair. Cracked and broken tiles are dangerous, while stained and old tiles simply need to be upgraded. Tile removal is tough to do as a DIY project; without the right skills and tools, you’ll put yourself at risk of serious injury. To get your home’s tile work removed correctly and safely, you need a professional tile removal service in Houston. Look at Cutting Edge Flooring Services to do the dust-free removal job right the first time.

Dust-Free Removal: What Is It?

Dust-free or dustless removal is a way of removing floor tiles while reducing the number of dangerous particulates that get into the air. When tile stripping tools are equipped with special vacuum attachments, it’s possible. 

The dustless method protects workers, homeowners, pets, children, and the surrounding area from harmful dust particles. One such particle is known as crystalline silica, which is a known health hazard and has been labeled as a carcinogen.

Procedures and Methods

Dust-free tiling removal requires the use of special tools that chisel and grind away the tile and thinset mortar layers. At the same time, vacuum attachments gather up the dust that’s a natural product of the removal process. With this innovative method, it’s easier to maintain a normal routine while work is ongoing.

Who Sees the Biggest Benefits From Dustless Tile Flooring Removal?

Though everyone can realize the advantages of dust-free tiling removal, we’ve noticed that certain clients are more likely to request the service. For instance, residential customers often choose dust-free removal because they have children or other family members with allergies, asthma, and other breathing troubles. Homeowners are more likely to pay for this service when protecting interior surfaces is a top priority.

Commercial clients in the restaurant and healthcare settings choose the dust-free method for cleanliness and sanitation reasons. We sometimes work with contractors, including remodelers, interior designers, and construction companies. Businesses that value a dust-free setting include:

• Assisted living facilities and retirement homes
• Nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities
• Restaurants
• Daycare centers, schools, and churches

We even work with property managers on commercial and residential enterprises, such as resorts, convention centers, apartment complexes, and much more. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your next tile job.

Let Us Do the Dirty Work For You

Cutting Edge Flooring Services has the equipment, skills, and experience to do the job right from the beginning. When you trust us with your tile work, you’ll avoid collateral damage, accidents, injuries, and job delays. Our dust-free method eliminates the creation and spread of harmful dust, making the entire environment safer. 

Conventional hammer-and-chisel methods aren’t just rough on your flooring, but they also generate a great deal of debris and dust. With our unique, safe process, your home or business stays healthier and you’ll experience the benefits explained in the sections below.

It’s Many cleaners

Dust-free flooring removal is cleaner for a range of reasons. Firstly, the removal machines are designed to capture dust at the source and prevent it from becoming airborne. The vacuum method prevents dangerous dust particles from covering furniture and getting into occupants’ lungs. Not only does the dust-free method leave the entire building clean, but it also leaves the subsurface ready for the installation of new flooring. It’s just an all-around better process!

The Process is More Efficient

Traditional tile stripping methods are quite time-consuming. First, you’ll have to cover furniture and other items to protect them from dust. Then, you’ll need to remove the tile and the thinset mortar, creating a great deal of dust in the process. With a dust-free tile flooring removal service in Houston, the machines remove the tile and take away the dust at the same time. No drop cloths or in-depth clean-ups are required.

The Job Gets Done Sooner

Our certified contractors use proprietary processes to deliver the highest-quality service in the shortest length of time. From the initial estimate to the project’s completion, we’ll make the process as effortless as possible for home and business owners. All projects are pre-planned so our removal teams can begin work immediately. With our help, it’s possible to strip tile in a timely fashion.

Dust-Free Tile Removals Are Better For Your Family’s Health

The dust-free method is much safer than conventional strategies. The ingestion of grout and tile dust particles is hazardous to your health, and those with allergies and other respiratory conditions can be adversely affected. Tile dust is so fine that it even gets into a building’s HVAC system and spreads into every room. With dustless tile stripping, the dust is captured at its source and these risks are eliminated.

Special Tools

The equipment and tools we use work smoother and faster than those used in conventional settings. For example, our high-speed chisels allow us to make precise cuts without sending debris flying into the room. We’ll also use commercial-grade HEPA filtration systems to ensure that dust clouds aren’t formed. With our advanced technology and tools, we’ll get the job done quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, safely.

The DustRam Difference

Dust-control methods are a relatively new advancement in the flooring industry, and Cutting Edge Flooring Services is one of the Houston area’s leading providers thanks in part to DustRam. This system is designed to capture dust at every stage in the process. DustRam equipment, when combined with high-powered, high-performance vacuum attachments, will gather dust before it has a chance to become airborne. We’re honored to be the sole DustRam Certified company in the Houston area. Call us today to see the difference that DustRam technology makes.

Get In Touch With Us Today

Our specialized, proprietary systems and advanced tools provide a safer and better way to remove floor tiles. These tools and methods work on all sorts of tile, whether it’s made of ceramic, stone, or marble. If you’re interested in removing floor tiles and starting fresh, we invite you to call us for a no-obligation inspection and estimate. We look forward to serving you.

Concrete floors in the past were often gray and boring. They did nothing to add to the ambiance of the room. However, with the help of concrete coatings in Houston, TX, any property owner can have a floor they love that truly provides the atmosphere they desire for their home or business. 

This is only one of the benefits of choosing concrete coating services. With a coating installed on the floor, it becomes much easier to maintain. Slips and falls are likewise reduced when a person chooses this option. 

The coating helps to ensure it can hold up even under the most strenuous conditions. As a result, the floor lasts longer and the property owner saves money.  What should a property owner know when determining if this is the right option for their needs? 

Why Coat a Concrete Floor?

The first question a person might have is why they should choose concrete floor coatings over the many decorative finish options available. What a person must understand is concrete slabs aren’t indestructible. Concrete is porous and will break down over time, especially when exposed to chemicals or significant traffic. 

Coating the floor helps to protect the floor from wear and chemical spills. Furthermore, it improves the appearance of the slab while offering the additional benefits mentioned above. With the help of concrete coating, a floor can be restored in a short time period. 

Coating Options

Several coating systems are offered today. To determine which system should be used for a particular project, the surface conditions of the concrete must be known. Furthermore, the coating provider needs to determine how much traffic the floor is exposed to regularly. This information is of importance when deciding which system will provide the desired benefits. 

Self-Leveling Overlay Systems

Floors that are uneven benefit from a self-leveling overlay concrete coating system. This system may also be used to repair any concrete that is damaged or to offer a smooth, sturdy foundation for decorative treatments. No troweling is required when these polymer-modified products are used, making them the ideal choice for these situations. 

When the goal is to install a new finish, sprayable concrete floor coatings are typically employed. They are easy to apply with the help of an air-powered hopper gun and are suitable for interior floors that receive a great deal of traffic. Nevertheless, they may also be used for concrete patios and pool decks where a textured, slip-resistant surface is needed. 

When a design is to be multi-colored or a floor needs to be resistant to chemicals, consider an epoxy coating. These coatings are often colored with aggregates or pigmented to provide the desired design. In addition to being chemical resistant, a floor of this type is more flexible than those with a concrete-based system and offers great compressive strengths. 

Business owners frequently choose polishable concrete overlays for their establishment. Not only are they beautiful with their high-gloss finish, but they are very easy to maintain. Consider this option if you have problem floors, as the surface when restored is perfectly smooth and seam-free. 

Among the oldest decorative flooring systems, cement-based terrazzo floors are also among the most durable. Small pieces of granite or marble are embedded in the mortar before it is applied. The mortar than cures before being ground and polished until all that remains is a glossy, even layer.

High traffic areas and industrial floors, as well as residential concrete floors, often benefit from the installation of a quartz flooring system. Seamless floors of this type consist of quartz aggregate, 100% solids epoxy and a urethane topcoat that is resistant to chemical and wear. The process required for this type of concrete coating is somewhat more complicated, however. 

First, a single broadcast quart floor must be prepped and primed using a penetrating primer coat. Once this has been done, a binder resin is applied and quartz sand will be hand broadcast into this resin. The next step is to broadcast a single layer of colored quartz aggregate into the epoxy coating. 

The resin and quartz material must cure before the process can move forward. When they do, the clear topcoat is applied. The topcoat ensures the floor is durable and will last an extended period of time. 

In certain situations, a double-broadcast quartz epoxy floor is desired. When this is the case, a second layer of the binder and quartz aggregate will be put down before the topcoat is applied. With either option, the finished product will be seamless, durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. 

Another option to consider is polyaspartic coatings. These polymer coating materials are known for their short cure times as well as their ability to be installed in a wide range of temperatures. Nevertheless, these are only two of the many benefits associated with this coating system. 

These coatings are UV stable and offer UV protection to any underlying surfaces and coatings. Additionally, they are very resistant to chemicals and abrasion. They are able to protect the concrete from both foot and wheeled traffic, chemicals, and spills, which of great importance when one is investing in their home or business. 

Residential garage floor coatings are often polyaspartic coatings. In addition, these systems are frequently found in medical facilities, supermarkets, automotive garages, fast-food establishments, warehouses, and more. They are ideal for any situation in which a concrete slab must withstand heavy use. 

Consider the different options available to determine which best meets your specific needs. If help is needed in this area, a reputable concrete coating provider can be of assistance. Cutting Edge Flooring Services is a preferred provider of property owners throughout the Houston area. 

Concrete coatings are only one of the many services offered by our company that might be of benefit to property owners. Be sure to also ask about concrete densifying, polishing, sealing, staining, and more. The more you know about the services offered the easier it becomes to determine which are needed to allow you to achieve the goals you have with regard to the floor.

As much as we’d like it, no flooring is maintenance-free, and decorative concrete is no exception. Concrete floors are easy to maintain in comparison with other flooring types, particularly carpet, but they do need some attention. The level of maintenance and concrete cleaning a floor requires will depend mostly on the way it’s used and the traffic it gets. Concrete floors have no grout lines or joints to trap dirt, and they’re abrasion-, water-, and stain-resistant when they’re properly sealed. A damp mop is all that’s needed for cleaning, and concrete will last almost indefinitely if the sealer is periodically reapplied.

Products to Use When Cleaning Concrete Floors

A pH-neutral cleaner is best for cleaning stained concrete floors. Ask the sealer manufacturer or your floor installer to suggest their favorite solutions. Don’t use harsh cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, citrus, pine cleaners, or vinegar because they may react negatively with the floor, etching its surface. Microfiber pads are suggested for damp and dry mopping. In commercial areas with heavy traffic, a swing buffer or an auto scrubber may be used.

Tips for Concrete Floor Cleaning

Whether you’re a commercial or residential building owner, you’ll love how easy it is to clean concrete floors. Start with a daily dry-mopping to remove debris and dirt, using a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner when needed. Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent surface stains.

Making Concrete Flooring Simpler to Maintain

When installing and designing a concrete floor, remember that saw-cut patterning creates surface lines that may trap debris and dirt. In highly trafficked areas like foyers and entryways, reduce wear and maintenance by using area rugs and floor mats. An outdoor floor mat will also reduce the amount of debris that’s brought in. Finally, be sure to follow the contractor’s recommended sealing and concrete cleaning services schedule to keep the floor looking its very best.

Caring for Stained Concrete Flooring

In most instances, home concrete flooring experiences relatively low foot traffic and these cleaning tips will help keep them looking great for years to come. Dry or damp mop the floors regularly to minimize abrasion, dirt, and grime. For the occasional deep cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner and water with a damp, clean mop. Protect the floor with a quality sealer and a coat of floor finish or wax. Reapply every few years or as required. Commercial flooring can use the same basic care regimen, but these floors may need more frequent sealer and/or wax applications because of higher foot traffic levels.

Sealers

A stained concrete floor should be protected with a high-quality sealer to make it resistant to dirt, stains, abrasion, and water intrusion. This protective layer will not only prolong the floor’s lifespan, but it will also enhance its color and increase its sheen. Water-based sealants are usually suggested for indoor floors because they contain no toxic fumes. Your floor installer can recommend the right sealer for any application. 

Waxes

For additional protection from abrasion, dirt, and stains, many floor installers suggest using a quality floor wax that’s specifically formulated for concrete floors. The wax should be applied on top of the sealer; it preserves the sealer by absorbing impacts, wear, and tear. Wax makes it easier to buff out slight wear patterns and scratches, and its reapplication process is easier than that of floor sealer. These qualities have led wax coatings to be known as sacrificial protective layers.

Maintaining Polished Concrete Flooring

Because of the polishing and densification processes, polished concrete flooring is very durable. These floors are usually simpler to maintain than other decorative flooring types because they need no wax or sealer. With a basic cleaning regimen, polished concrete floors will stay shiny for years. Use a dry dust mop to remove daily grit and dirt, and occasionally use a damp mop and a specially designed cleaner for polished concrete. 

Such cleansers not only clean the floor’s surface, but they also leave a dirt-resistant coating. What’s more, they’re easy to apply and require no buffing. If a polished concrete floor starts to lose its luster, a light buffing with a polishing compound will usually help. If deeper touch-ups are required, floors may be re-polished with a mild abrasive.

Cleaning Non-Polished Concrete

If a concrete floor hasn’t yet been treated with a stain, polish, or another decorative finish, it still needs routine care. Like decorative concrete, the amount and type of maintenance will depend on the foot traffic, wear, and tear to which the floor is exposed. When cleaning a plain concrete floor, consider your reasons for cleaning it. For instance, is it part of a routine maintenance plan, or are you preparing for the application of a decorative finish?

For everyday maintenance, simply clean the floor’s surface of debris and dust with a hose, a blower, or a broom. Use water and a soft brush to remove any surface stains; if that doesn’t work, use a stronger soap or even ammonia. For the most stubborn stains, degreasers or chemicals may be required. These are only for use on unfinished concrete, not polished or finished floors. For garage floors and exterior surfaces, power washers may be used. Avoid the use of muriatic acid if you plan to stain the floor at any time afterward. After a good cleaning, a coat of sealer will make the next clean-up go much faster. 

Though some think they’re just for garages and industrial settings, concrete floors can be made decorative enough for use anywhere in the home or office. Whether you have finished, unfinished, or decoratively cut concrete floors, it’s important to maintain them properly by using the right tools, supplies, and methods. Though we’ve given some easy tips in this guide, some jobs are better left to the professionals. If you’re looking for help, advice, recommendations, and the best concrete floor cleaning services in Houston, we’re here to help. Visit us online for more details or call today to schedule an appointment.

Whether you moved into a house with tile flooring or you feel it’s time to remove the tile flooring you had installed yourself, do not wait any longer to get it done. While tile flooring can last for decades when properly taken care of, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t make a change with new flooring. Replacing tiling can offer a lot of benefits. Here are five reasons why you might want to replace your tiling.

1. It’s Broken

While tile flooring can stand up to a lot of abuse, sometimes it can chip or crack. This can be a result of something extremely heavy or sharp falling onto it. It may even have been cracked during the installation process. Even something like the gradual shifting of the house can sometimes exert enough pressure for the tile to start cracking.

In this event, tile replacement is absolutely necessary. Chipped or broken tile can actually be a health hazard. You might step on the sharp corner and cut yourself. Or worse, your child might start playing with the broken pieces or even attempt to put it in their mouth. The same goes for pets. In a desire to chew everything in the house, they might think the broken pieces of tile are their new chew toys. To keep the kitchen, or other rooms, safe, replacing broken tile is a no-brainer. Whether it’s cracked or chipped entirely, your room will look a lot better with smooth and undamaged tile flooring.

2. The Grout Is Nasty

Grout is a necessary part of tile installation. While it can also look quite nice next to stone tile or other kinds of tile, it is possible for the grout to start to look a little worse for wear over time. Grout can collect dirt, dust, stains, and other unpleasant blemishes as time goes on. It isn’t always easy to clean either.

For one, you have to use the right kind of cleaner. Second, you need the proper equipment to get into the tight spots of the grout. For many homeowners, this is just a bit too much work than they would enjoy. Because of that, few actually end up cleaning their tile floors well enough to reach the grout. That means a lot of bacteria and other possible contaminants are just resting on your floor.

If you’ve noticed that the grout on your flooring is looking worn down, then it might be time to replace your tiles. Installers can redo the grout or clean it up to make it sanitized and looking great. With freshly cleaned grout, your new tiles will look even better against it.

3. New Aesthetic Choices

One of the reasons many people choose ceramic tiling is because it looks great. Working with natural stone, in particular, can make flooring practically timeless. That being said, tile can sometimes go through flooring trends as well. If you want to sell your home, then you need to make sure that the tile in your home matches with the latest interior design trends.

If it doesn’t, you might not make as much of an impact on your potential buyers as you would hope. Old tile can actually turn a lot of people off from buying the home. This is especially true if it looks old or dirty. They won’t want to replace the tile themselves, so you should just get it done before you start showing the house.

Even if you’re not moving, it doesn’t hurt to have your home brought up to par in the latest trends for interior design. You’ll have a place that you’re proud to come home to every night and show off to friends. Tile can sometimes be a bragging point. Old tile can often just be an embarrassment.

4. Sanitary

Another reason to replace your old tile is due to sanitary reasons. Much like carpet, you don’t want to keep the same carpet in your house for longer than a decade. Even if you regularly wash and sanitize your tiles, there’s always going to be some lingering germs and contaminants on it. This is especially true if the tile is in a high-traffic area like the kitchen or bathroom.

The best way to refresh the home and keep it sanitary is to replace flooring over time. With brand new tiles on the floor, you can step on it with your bare feet and be confident that it’s far more sanitary than the old ones you had. You’ll likely also find that the new tiles are brighter than the old ones. This is because older tiles tend to absorb dirt and germs over time. It can make their surface muddy or dirty looking. New tiles are fresh out of the box and look great.

5. Check On Subfloor

One of the added benefits of doing any flooring work is that it also allows you to inspect the sub-floor. It isn’t uncommon for sub-floors to need a bit of maintenance over time. With so much pressure being exerted on it daily, it’s no surprise that they might start to sink or break in certain areas. Water damage can also cause a lot of problems.

You won’t know of those problems if you never do any flooring work. Replacing your tiles can offer you a chance to see how the sub-floors of the home are holding up. Perhaps you’ve noticed that a certain tile seems to sink into the floor more than others. The sub-floor may be to blame for this.

After you remove the tile, you might find that the sub-floor is broken or the wood is rotting away. You can quickly and easily repair the subfloor and then place a brand new tile over it to complete the project. The tile will be held in alignment with the others. You’ll be assured that the sub-floor is reinforced and holding up to the strain. Replacing tiles can be a great reason for inspections.

When you are working hard to deep clean your home, do not forget that the kitchen and bathrooms need special attention if they have tile floors. If you have children, the summer months are usually more troubling because the kids are out of school, so they are constantly tracking dirt in through the entire house. To make sure everything gets cleaned to your satisfaction, below is a list of seven tips to keep your tile floors clean.

There are people out there who specialize in cleaning homes when it becomes too much of a burden for you to handle. However, it is possible to cut down on the amount of help you need from professionals by keeping up with your floors on your own. Ask the rest of your family to pitch in around the house. If everyone in the home does their part to keep the home clean, it will cut out a lot of the time and even stress that you feel when cleaning your house.

Tidy Tile Tip #1: Designated Shoe Station

Having a designated shoe depository station helps alert family members and incoming guests of your intention to keep dirty shoes off of the floor. Having a rule that shoes are not to be worn indoors will help keep your tile floors clean. You might have to work extra hard to keep young children from wearing their shoes inside. One tip you should try to get your young children to remember to take off their shoes involves adding another item to your shoe removal station. Instead of relying on a simple floor mat to remind your children and guests to take off their shoes, try adding a bin for shoes. You might also try adding a small bench or chair near the shoe removal station to assist young children who are learning to tie their shoes. This could also be a nice resting place for elderly members of the family, and you just might enjoy pausing to sit for a moment as well.

Tidy Tile Tip #2: New Floor Mat

There is no getting around the fact that every home needs a mat outside the main door. The tile floor stays cleaner when you put a mat outside for people to wipe the soles of their shoes off before entering your home. It is a good idea to place a mat outside of each entryway. If you buy a fun, attractive floor mat, it might help the younger ones remember to wipe their shoes off to keep the floors in your home clean upon entering. In addition to using a floor mat as a way for people to wipe their shoes, you should try adding a boot brush for the people who arrive with mud on their shoes.

Tidy Tile Tip #3: Give Chores to Children

Children are the future, and there’s no better way to give a child a good head start in life than to teach them how to clean the house, especially the floor. Cleaning helps children establish a level of respect for their home and for their environment. Try offering an allowance or another reward as an extra incentive for your children to work towards cleaning the floor with you.

Tidy Tile Tip #4: Routinely Clean and Wax

Make sure you sweep the floors well before applying any wax to the smooth surfaces. The floors will be quite slippery after they are waxed, so make sure everyone in the household knows that before they slip and fall. Keeping them shining with a glossy coat of wax might also help send a reminder to everyone that you intend to keep the tile floors looking spectacular.

Tidy Tile Tip #5: Add Carpets to Create Pathways

No matter how big your home is, there are some pathways that people walk along consistently more often throughout the day. Take note of which pathways are used most frequently before placing carpets along those areas. Carpets will help cut down on the amount of wear your floor receives throughout the year.

You might need to invest in a steam cleaner, or you might need to hire someone to come out to clean your carpet occasionally. However, the alternative to steam cleaning your carpets is to purchase small carpets called runners. The runners are particularly useful if you place them along hallways where the pathway is clearly defined. This trick will help eliminate the need for frequent grout cleaning. However, you likely do not want to cover all of your tile with carpeting, so you will still need to have the natural tile cleaned by a professional once each season.

Tidy Tile Tip #6: Furniture Has Feet Too!

By now you have learned plenty of ways to cut down on the amount of damage that can be done to tile floors. However, shoes aren’t the only cause for alarm. If you are tired of cleaning tile floors constantly, you should invest in padding to put under the feet of all of your furniture. Moving furniture across the floor may leave behind scratch marks on the tile that only a professional will be able to buff away.

Tidy Tile Tip #7: Hire a Professional Flooring Company

There is only so much that you can do to keep everything clean on your own. Even if your family has been dedicated to your cause, you must bring in a professional at some point. Don’t forget, a professional’s touch is worth the expense. Not only do they have special tools and equipment to really make your floor shine, but they also have years of experience and knowledge that you may not have yourself. Calling in the professionals to do the dirty work is also beneficial for the fact that you can dedicate your time to other projects without worrying about how your floors will get cleaned. It truly is worth the expense to hire experienced flooring experts to give your floors the needed cleaning.