Summer is upon us, and that means Nashville heat is already settling in. Learn how warm weather can affect your flooring, whether it’s laminate, hardwood, or vinyl.
Vinyl in the Heat
Temperature can create problems for your flooring at every stage, from installation to removal. Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride, which is where it gets its name. Vinyl planks or tiles are known for their resilience and flexibility, making them an excellent option for homes and businesses alike. They are waterproof and hold up well against humidity when installed correctly. Vinyl, unlike other flooring materials, is not as affected by warm or cool weather. Practically every material reacts to temperature changes, swelling with warmth and contracting with cold temperatures, and vinyl is no different. But unlike more natural flooring materials, vinyl is a great residential flooring option because it doesn’t change in size very much. Of course, this is provided the temperature in a home remains consistent. Big fluctuations (10-20 degrees) can shorten the lifespan of any flooring material, vinyl included. When you travel or as seasons change, keep the temperature in your home steady to get the most out of your flooring.
Flaming Laminate
Laminate flooring has been around since the 1970s, and it’s a great option for people looking for hardwood aesthetics on a budget. Made of many lacquered layers of thin wood, laminate can be produced using sustainable or recycled materials, and many products are easy to install. Unlike vinyl, laminate is not naturally waterproof, though many types of modern laminate are water-resistant up to a certain point.
So, does temperature affect laminate flooring? Laminate, besides being susceptible to water damage from humidity or flooding, is indeed affected negatively by extreme high temperatures. Because it’s made of wood, laminate does change in size fairly significantly when warmed or cooled. This makes professional installation a must to ensure that laminate flooring has proper protection from moisture and that the boards are installed correctly to avoid cracks and warping from heat. Flooring companies like Ozburn-Hessey have been installing laminate for home and business owners for decades in and around Nashville, so we have the expertise to ensure that your laminate flooring is installed correctly to withstand environmental factors like summer heat.
Hot, Hot Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is an old, tried-and-true floor material that’s been used for centuries around the globe. But does temperature affect hardwood flooring? The short answer is yes. Virtually every kind of flooring, and many other building materials in a home, are affected by temperature. There’s a reason, however, that hardwood has always been a popular flooring choice, and it’s not just because of how available wood has been around the world. Hardwoods can absorb moisture and expand when the weather warms up, but this is natural. When properly installed, hardwoods have the space to contract and expand without aesthetic issues like warping or gaps. This, of course, depends on how you care for your home. Excessive humidity or regular high temperatures can damage hardwoods in homes that are neglected or abandoned, and it can even happen in spaces that are occupied if the owner is not paying attention. Simply using an indoor thermostat and central air conditioning in the summer helps keep the interior temperature steady, which in turn manages moisture in the air. With a bit of proactive home care, you can keep hardwoods looking their best for decades despite the harsh Nashville summer heat.
Choose Floors That Stand Up to Heat
Regardless of the flooring in your home or business, you’re going to want to ensure that it’s properly cared for. Work with the pros at Ozburn-Hessey for your flooring installation this summer to ensure that it’ll endure no matter how hot things get outside.