Hectic home life and busy business operations may sound like completely different worlds, but they do have at least one thing in common: the need for safe and resilient flooring, especially over the winter months.
Winter in and around Nashville means the potential for more moisture, mud, and other debris to be tracked inside and across your floors again and again. When this happens, wood can contract, laminate can separate, vinyl can stiffen, and salt and grit can scratch even the toughest surfaces. Proactive care protects your flooring and ensures it lasts for years to come.
With so many different residential flooring and commercial flooring options lining Nashville homes and businesses, we’ve put together a guide to help you keep your floors fully winter-ready. From waterproof laminate flooring to vinyl floor planks, proper care now can prevent costly repairs later.
Preparing and Protecting Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Modern waterproof laminate flooring is popular in homes and businesses because it offers the warmth of wood along with strong resistance to everyday demands. While this type of flooring is very durable, like all laminate wood flooring, it performs best when protected from moisture and grime.
Using mats at the entrance of your home or business is your first line of defence against the damage grit and salt can cause. Sweeping them regularly and using a pH-neutral cleaner (never harsh chemicals) will keep them looking their best, as will cleaning away snowmelt and puddles before they have time to settle in.
How to Prepare & Maintain Laminate Wood Flooring
To prepare and maintain laminate wood flooring in winter, protect them from moisture by using mats at all entryways. Wipe spills up immediately and clean these floors regularly, either by sweeping or using a vacuum with the soft brush attachment. Every once in a while, clean the floors with a damp microfiber mop and laminate-safe cleaner.
Maintaining consistent indoor humidity (30-50%) is also crucial because the dry winter air can cause planks to contract and create gaps while moisture can cause swelling. You can use a dehumidifier to keep this issue in check if it’s a concern. To protect your floors from scratches year-round, put pads on the legs of heavy furniture. This is especially helpful in winter when extra debris can be tracked in. Finally, never let water or liquids pool on laminate wood flooring, as this can seep into the joints and cause warping and irreversible damage.
Winter Prep for Vinyl Floor Planks & Vinyl Tile
Vinyl floor planks and vinyl tile are two of the most winter-tolerant flooring types that are great for Nashville’s climate. They’re less prone to the issues that affect other materials during humidity fluctuations; however, colder temperatures and trapped debris can still cause issues if not managed correctly.
Once again, quality walk-off mats placed at the entrance of your home or business will capture snow, slush, and dirt before they reach your floor’s surface. Sweeping, vacuuming, and gentle mopping with a vinyl-safe, pH neutral cleaner can protect them over the winter. As with other flooring types, adding felt pads to furniture legs can prevent scratching.
Winterizing Commercial Vinyl Flooring for Businesses
High-traffic commercial spaces face additional wear and tear challenges, such as entryways that are constantly wet, extra salt residue, and slipping hazards. Proper winter prep ensures your flooring can perform under heavier seasonal foot traffic. Place high-quality mats and boot trays to protect the floors and mitigate slips. For an extra protective layer, consider applying a specialized anti-slip coating or sealer to your vinyl flooring. Many water-based urethane sealers can be rolled on to create a durable, high-traction surface without changing the floor’s appearance.
Maintenance tips include:
- Daily sweeping to keep abrasive particles from scratching your floors.
- Using winter-safe vinyl cleaners or salt rinses as needed.
- Immediately removing standing water to prevent discoloration or seam damage.
Commercial vinyl flooring is naturally tough, but like all surfaces, it benefits from intentional winter care.
Residential Flooring in Nashville Winters: Prep Tips You Need to Know
To prepare and maintain residential flooring during winter, focus on preventing moisture and grime from being tracked into the home by using doormats and enforcing a “remove shoes and boots” rule.
Frequent cleaning is recommended to eliminate salt and dirt and avoiding excess water is imperative. Protect specific flooring types like hardwood with sealants to fill cracks and provide a barrier against moisture, and use pH-neutral cleaners for deep cleaning. For salt, consider a specialized neutralizing solution, but check your warranty first. Maintain consistent indoor temperatures to prevent wood floors from expanding or contracting excessively.
Seasonal Care for All Residential and Commercial Flooring Types
For all types of flooring, these universal winter-prep and maintenance steps apply:
- Use mats at all entrances, inside and out.
- Install waterproof boot trays to collect melting snow.
- Maintain consistent heating.
- Keep humidity stable to prevent gapping, warping, and cracking.
- Sweep daily to remove abrasive winter debris.
Partner With Ozburn-Hessey for Expert Floor Installations
Whether your property is residential or commercial, proper flooring for all seasons is essential, and Ozburn-Hessey is here to help. With decades of experience installing everything from vinyl floor planks to commercial vinyl flooring and laminate wood flooring, our team understands exactly what Nashville’s climate demands.
We work with top manufacturers and can provide expert guidance if you’re unsure which type of flooring to install.
Contact Ozburn-Hessey today to protect your investment with the region’s most reliable flooring professionals.