Seasonal temperatures, specifically hot and cold temperatures, can significantly impact floors. As the winter months approach, it’s especially important to take extra care of your flooring by knowing the preparations for different types of floors.
Protecting Hardwood Floors in the Winter
Oftentimes, varying temperatures and humidity levels result in the contraction of hardwood floors, leading to gaps. To minimize this from happening in the winter, it’s important to control the indoor humidity so that it is between 35% and 55%. Using a humidifier can help balance the humidity in your home.
Using a high-quality sealant for your hardwood floors can also add a protection layer when the cold weather hits. Additionally, cleaning your hardwood floors is another way to ensure stability. Regular cleaning your floors with a cleaner that is specifically designed for wood will prevent the buildup of winter dust and grime, thus securing the shine.
By maintaining humidity, cleaning and sealing your hardwood floors, they should remain strong throughout the winter.
Protecting Luxury Vinyl Tiles in the Winter
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) also requires some prepping for winter. Similar to hardwood, LVT is prone to damage during temperature changes so it’s crucial to safeguard before winter comes. The most important step in preparing LVT for winter is to install a quality underlayment to add insulation and maximize warmth retention. Placing doormats at entry points will help catch moisture from the rain or snow before it reaches your vinyl flooring.
Regular cleaning also helps preserve the beauty of your LVT floor throughout the winter. Unlike traditional tile flooring, LVT needs specific cleaning solutions, so make sure to use a mild cleaner specifically designed for vinyl flooring. Lastly, maintaining indoor humidity levels between 35% and 50% is also important to prevent extreme fluctuations that can affect your LVT flooring. By taking these steps, you are investing in the durability and beauty of your floors for years to come.
If you have questions about how to prepare your flooring for winter, E_M Custom Flooring & Installations is here to help. Call us today at (631) 924-4434.
