How to seal cracks in parquet

A smooth and even surface prevents the destruction of parquet under the influence of water and dirt. However, both owners of new and long-established floors will still have to face the need to seal cracks in parquet.

Why do cracks appear in parquet?

Parquet is a natural and environmentally friendly natural material. It is made from valuable wood species. The following reasons for the appearance of alkali are identified:

• Humidity and exposure to sudden temperature changes. Under the influence of these factors, the tree changes its parameters. It is normal for older hardwood floors to develop cracks.
• The level of load on the coating and methods of its operation. When the protective layer wears out, the wood becomes susceptible to various types of mechanical stress.
• Poor quality material or improper installation. This can be judged if cracks appeared almost immediately after the repair.

ATTENTION! The cracks that appear in the parquet not only spoil its attractive appearance, but also destroy the structure of the material. But it’s quite possible to fix them.

Features of parquet as a covering

IMPORTANT! Technologists have found that the materials most susceptible to drying out are soft types of wood, such as beech.

The problem of cracks appearing can be foreseen from the beginning.Firstly, it is advisable to select high-quality material for repairs and strictly follow the recommendations for flooring. In addition, to be on the safe side, it is recommended to fill all the resulting cavities with varnish. The cracks in the new coating are so invisible that the varnish will easily fill them. First, a small amount of varnish is poured onto the floor and distributed evenly using a spatula. Subsequent layers are applied with a roller or brush.

It should be noted that gaps around the perimeter of the room must be left. This will allow the wooden surface to expand. It is better to cover this space with a plinth. If the coating is old, it is necessary not just to seal the cracks, but to comprehensively restore the floor, including leveling the surface (scraping).

What can you use to seal the cracks?

The most popular materials for filling unnecessary space are caulk and putty. They can be easily purchased in construction departments. The sealant is a high quality mastic. It is odorless and can be painted in the desired color. The material is elastic and can fill holes of different sizes and configurations. Oil-based putty is the most harmless and practical to use. It forms a solid layer that is resistant to temperature changes. Acrylic putties are used for moving surfaces. They withstand moisture and vibration.

In addition, parquet varnish and protective mastics fit well on it. The main difference between putty and sealant is that it is less elastic during use and has astringent properties. The putty is easy to make with your own hands. To do this, just take liquid glass, small sawdust and dry chalk in equal proportions.You should also add a coloring pigment to match the tone of the floor surface. The resulting mixture must be mixed and immediately used to fill the joints.

REFERENCE! When choosing water-based adhesive putties, you will need to dry the surface for 24 hours.

Timely sealing of seams in parquet will not only give it an aesthetic appearance, but will also significantly increase its service life. This problem is common and in most cases can be easily dealt with on your own.