5 Reasons to Use a Floor Sealant

Putting floor sealant on a wood floor is something that many homeowners never think about. When the hardwood floor is installed, the floor is sealed properly. However, over the years, the sealer will wear off and start to affect the floor negatively. If you have been putting off using a floor sealant on your hardwood floor, here are a few reasons that you should consider using one. 

1. Prevent Staining

When a site-finished hardwood floor does not have a sealant on it, it can be susceptible to stains. When hardwood is not sealed up properly, it will allow moisture to get down inside of it. Wood is porous and moisture can absorb into it easily. If you spill something with dye in it, it can absorb into the hardwood and stain it. Putting a coat of sealant on the floor will help you avoid any unsightly stains. 

2. Protect Against Wear

Wood is naturally a very soft material. Putting a sealant on the top layer gives it a tough layer on the top to protect it. When you walk on a floor repeatedly every day, there is a high risk of denting or scratching it. Without a wood floor sealant, the floor is very likely to be scratched by even the smallest disturbance. When you install a wood floor sealant it will give you a better chance to resist any dents or scratches. While the floor can still be damaged, a wood floor sealant will increase the likelihood that your floor is not severely damaged. 

3. Protect Against Moisture

Another real threat to a hardwood floor is moisture. When installing hardwood on a concrete sub floor, the installer knows to put a moisture barrier down first to keep it from getting up into the wood. However, if you do not put a wood floor sealant on the top layer of the wood, it is still susceptible to moisture. If you spill water or any other liquid on the wood, it can soak down into it immediately. Having a wood floor sealant on the top layer will give you peace of mind when something is spilled on the floor. You can simply wipe it up and move on. 

4. Help Prevent Fading

Over time, wood floor tends to change colors due to UV rays hitting the floor. This is a natural part of having a wood floor and should be expected. However, if you do not have a wood floor sealant on the top, the yellowing process of the wood will be much quicker. A good wood floor sealant can help prevent damage from harmful UV rays and keep your wood floor looking better longer. 

5. Save Money

When you do not properly protect your floor with a wood floor sealant, the lifespan of the floor decreases. If you have to replace the floor at some point in the future, you will have to spend a lot more money than what the wood floor sealant would cost.