If you’re a builder or tradesperson, you know that one of the most important things to worry about during a construction project is protecting the property from damage, especially expensive hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, wood flooring, etc.
Floors are especially vulnerable and can easily be scratched or stained if not appropriately protected. In this blog post, we’ll explain some simple ways how to protect your floors from damage during renovation or construction projects.
So whether you’re a builder or a renovator, read on for helpful advice…
Why Is It Necessary to Protect Your Floors During Renovation? 
There are a few reasons why it’s important to protect your floors during renovation:
To Avoid Damage
Obviously, the main reason you’ll want to protect your floors is to avoid any damage. Construction projects can be messy, and if your floors aren’t protected, they could easily get scratched, stained, or even gouged.
To Save Money
Repairing or replacing damaged floors can be expensive. By protecting your floors during construction, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
Bulky Equipment and Furniture
Another thing to be aware of is the weight of bulky equipment and furniture. If you’re not careful, this equipment can easily damage your floors.
To Keep Your Home Looking Its Best
No one wants their home to look like it’s been through a construction site. You can avoid any unsightly damage and keep your home looking its best by protecting your floors.
Outside Dirt and Mud
One of the biggest dangers to floors during construction is outside dirt and mud. If this dirt and mud get tracked into your home, it can be very difficult to clean up and cause permanent damage.
8 Ways to Protect Your Flooring During Construction and Renovation
Better off safe than sorry. Here are some simple ways to protect your floors during construction and renovation:
Use Temporary Floor Coverings Like Tarps and Mats to Keep Your Floors Safe
If you’re worried about dirt, mud, and debris, using temporary floor coverings is a great way to keep your floors safe. Tarps and mats can be placed over your floors to catch falling debris.
Following are some tips for using temporary floor protection tarps and mats:
- Make sure you use the right tarp or mat for your floor type. There are different tarps and mats for hardwood floors, concrete floors, and carpets.
- Always lay the tarp or mat flat and make sure there are no wrinkles. Wrinkles can cause the tarp or mat to tear.
- Make sure the tarp or mat is securely attached to the floor. If it’s not connected correctly, it could easily be moved by wind or people walking on it.
- Be sure to remove the tarp or mat when the construction project is finished. Leaving it in place can damage your floors.
Use Furniture Pads and Covers to Protect Your Floors from Heavy Equipment
If you’re using heavy equipment, like a drill or saw, you’ll want to use furniture pads and covers to protect your floors. These pads and covers will help distribute the weight of the equipment and prevent any damage.
Although furniture pads and covers won’t completely protect your floors from damage, they can help minimize the risk.
Pro-tip: Only buy a pad for heavy furniture or equipment tested and approved by the manufacturer to avoid any possibility of damage. These pads must be anti-slip, anti-vibration, and heat-resistant.
Apply Painter’s Tape to Non-adhesive Floor Coverings
If you’re using a non-adhesive floor covering, like paper or plastic, you can apply painter’s tape to the edges to help keep it in place. This will help prevent it from slipping and coming off your floors.
Just remove the tape when you’re finished with the project. Otherwise, it could damage your floors.
Determine Walking Routes
From the first day of your construction project, you should determine walking routes for both workers and visitors. This will help keep people from walking on your floors and tracking in dirt and mud.
But how do you determine walking routes?
- The best way is to use painter’s tape or chalk to mark the routes on your wood floors. This will help ensure that people stay on the designated paths and away from your floors.
- You can also use floor signs to help direct people. Just be sure to place the signs in strategic locations, so they’re easy to see.
Keep a Clean, Well-Ventilated, and Organised Workspace to Avoid Accidents
A clean, well-ventilated, and organized workspace will help reduce the risk of accidents. This is especially important if you’re using power tools or chemicals.
By keeping your workspace clean, you’ll be able to see any potential hazards, like cords or tools lying on the floor. And by keeping it well-ventilated, you’ll reduce the risk of accidents caused by fumes or vapours.
Finally, by organizing your workspace, you’ll be able to find what you need quickly and easily. This will help minimize someone getting injured because they can’t find what they’re looking for.
Seal the Rest of the Room
Isn’t it frustrating when you’re trying to work on a project and can’t find the tools or materials you need?
It’s even more frustrating when those items are hidden under a pile of dust and debris.
By sealing off the rest of the room, you’ll be able to keep the dirt and dust from getting into your work area. This will make it easier to work and will help reduce the amount of cleanup you’ll have to do later.
If you’re using plastic sheeting, tape it to the wood floor and ceiling to keep it in place.
Clean Up Unnecessary Things Quickly
It’s important to clean up any unnecessary things quickly, especially during the early stages of a construction project. This will help prevent any accidents from happening.
For example, if you’re using power tools, make sure all the cords are coiled up and out. And if you’re using chemicals, make sure the containers are appropriately labelled and stored away from any heat sources.
Place Caution Tape and Signs Around the Work Area to Warn People of Potential Danger
It’s good to place caution tape and signs around the work area to warn people of potential danger. This will help keep people away from the areas where they could get injured.
Just place the caution tape and signs in strategic locations, so they’re easy to see.
Common Mistakes Made During the Renovation That Can Damage a Floor
Walking on Wet Paint
One of the most common mistakes made during a renovation is walking on wet paint. This can damage your floors, so it’s essential to avoid it.
If you do happen to walk on wet paint, clean it up right away. Use a damp cloth to wipe up any paint that may have gotten on your shoes.
Not Cleaning Up Messes Properly
Insufficient cleaning is one of the leading causes of floor damage.
When working on a project, it’s essential to clean up any messes right away. Otherwise, the dirt and debris can cause damage to your floors.
Leaving Construction Materials and Equipment Lying Around 
Even after you’ve finished your project, there can still be dangers to your floors.
For example, if you leave construction materials and equipment lying around, they can become trip hazards. And if you don’t properly clean up your work area, the dirt and dust can damage your floors.
So, it’s important to take the time to clean up your work area properly, even after you’ve finished the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my pets from getting into the work area and potentially damaging the floor?
If you have pets, keep them away from the work area. You can use caution tape or signs to warn people of potential danger. And if you’re using chemicals, be sure to store them away from your pets.
Can I claim a refund if my floor surface is damaged during the renovation?
Unfortunately, most home insurance policies don’t cover damage caused during renovations. However, you may be able to file a claim with the contractor who did the work. It’s best to discuss before agreeing to work.
Don’t Let Your Floors Take the Brunt of Your Renovation! Protect floors with These Easy Tips
Renovating a property can be a daunting task, but floor protection is important for any construction project. That’s why GFC Fasteners offers a wide variety of floor protection products at their online store. From plastic carpet film to caution tape, they have everything you need to keep your floor damage free and safe.