How Your Climate Can Impact Your Flooring

With diverse flooring options and the climate affecting the condition of your flooring, you need to be careful about the type of flooring you select for your home. Extreme weather conditions can either cause your flooring to shrink or to swell up. If you live in a humid environment, moisture levels above sixty per cent can damage your flooring especially if it is wood-based. Comparatively, in a colder environment, planks can shrink and may cause cracks in the flooring. This is why we recommend using an air conditioner in hot and humid weather and a humidifier or a heater during dry and cold weather.

For flooring materials such as vinyl or ceramic tiles, the climate has little to no effect on them. But wood-based flooring such as bamboo, solid wood, cork, or laminate is greatly affected by the changes in the temperature. Physical changes in the environment, humidity, dryness, and overall climate conditions can affect your flooring in various ways. To avoid any kind of damage, you need to explore all flooring options and measure their pros and cons according to the environment you reside in.

Here are some flooring options you can consider and how they are affected by the climate.

Carpeting

Carpets are easy to install and are no less than a blanket for your floor. However, if installed too tightly, carpets can wrinkle leading to accidents. In humid weather, carpets can retain moisture and may cause molds and mildew. In cold and dry weather, carpet fiber can shrink. However, it does provide insulation and makes your floor warm in cold weather.

Wood-based Floors

The condition of wood-based floors is dependent on the kind of environment you live in. Drastic changes in the weather can have adverse effects on your flooring if you do not take proper measures before installing it. Wood-based floors can swell up in hot and humid weather and can also expand due to heat. It is recommended to leave an expansion gap when installing wood-based flooring. It allows swelling up to a certain level. However, if the humidity increases, it can be disastrous. There should be a proper ventilation system in your home and you should turn on the air conditioner when need be.

Tiles

Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, or stone tiles are by far the most suitable option in all kinds of weather. Tiles can withstand harsh weather conditions and are water-resistant. They can be easily cleaned and give off a shiny look after sweeping. Tiles are cool to touch and are the best flooring option in hot weather. They might not be suitable for colder regions. In the case of an earthquake, tiles are more prone to breakage.

Flooring can be installed at any time of the year but the impact of hot and cold climate makes fall the most suitable season to schedule a flooring appointment. Now that you know the pros and cons of all kinds of flooring and how climate affects it, book your slot at Kawana Flooring right away!