Weather plays a big part in flooring, from installation to daily maintenance, the chilly season can drastically change the nature of their materials. Read on to learn exactly how winter weather can affect floor installation and maintenance.
Winter Floor Installation
Flooring installation is a surprisingly delicate process, with environmental factors playing a much bigger role than you might expect. Cold temperatures and low humidity can be good for flooring, but extremes in either direction can negatively impact an installation. During Nashville summers, the humidity can pose a risk to hardwood flooring and other soft residential flooring options. Hardwood flooring can absorb moisture in the air, causing it to swell and warp. Swollen or warped hardwood flooring planks are difficult to install and can lead to gaps and leveling issues. When the weather cools, warped boards can regain their original size and shape, leaving cracks and noticeable empty spaces between planks.
Installing hardwood floors in winter can be a great way to ensure that you’re getting a proper installation with minimal liability. In the winter, our houses are generally warm and dry (granted the heat is functioning well), making them an ideal space for wood to acclimate. Usually, wood will need to be left in the home 24-48 hours prior to being installed. This allows it to reach a state of equilibrium with the climate in your home and should enable it to remain consistent all year round. Installing wood flooring when the boards are their proper size and not at risk of swelling from humidity ensures a clean install. Gaps and unlevel planks aren’t just unsightly, they can also harm the subfloor and lead to costly repairs. Installing wood floors in winter is your best bet for having high-quality residential flooring. Don’t do it alone! Jobs like hardwood floor installation are best left to the professionals, and there’s nobody better in the Nashville area than Ozburn-Hessey. We know how weather and climate can affect flooring installation, and we take that seriously when planning your job.
Winter Floor Maintenance
Floor installation isn’t the only thing that can be changed drastically by winter weather. How we take care of our floors also fundamentally changes in winter for a few key reasons. In Nashville, winter can often bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain. These wet conditions can wreak havoc on flooring like carpet and hardwood. Protecting and maintaining your floors from slush and tracked-in salt is important in maintaining their longevity.
Hardwood and carpet fibers can both be discolored by the rock salt used to melt ice and provide traction. It’s important to regularly clean your floors and keep salt out of the home. Investing in a good welcome mat or boot cleaner can help keep your floors from becoming damaged by salt and water. Water is exceptionally bad for hardwood floors, even if they were recently finished. Wood has a way of soaking up water, and this can cause the floors to warp or darken in color. Water can cause carpet fibers to lose their structure and lead to musty smells and mold or bacteria growth. Regularly cleaning your carpets and hardwoods, among other types of flooring this winter will ensure they stay unaffected by winter’s harsh conditions.
Looking for Flooring This Winter?
If you were wondering: can you install flooring in winter? The answer is yes, but there are some catches and things to keep in mind. If you’re looking for more information on installing hardwood flooring or maintaining your floors this winter, give the experts at Ozburn-Hessey a call today for a free consultation and estimate.
