Summertime means relaxing by the pool, vacations, and time spent with friends and family. Like most people, chances are that your floors are probably not the first thing on your mind.
However, if you have hardwood floors in your home, it’s important to know that the extreme heat and humidity associated with the summer months can cause your floors to lighten, cup and buckle.
Tip #1: Protect Your Floors from Sunlight
While there is no one “fix-all” solution, there are extra measures you can take to avoid fading or bleaching from overexposure to heat and sunlight.
The best defense against sun damage is to shield your hardwood floors during the hottest hours of the day. To do this, try placing large area rugs near window-facing areas or consider installing new window coverings for additional protection.
If your current window coverings are not giving you enough shade, consider installing new drapes, shutters, shades or blinds.
There are a variety of window treatments on the market specifically designed to protect your home from the harmful UV and infrared lights that cause color deterioration. Once installed, make sure to close your blinds or drapes during the brightest times of the day.
If you have horizontal blinds and don’t want to keep all-natural light out of your home, you can also choose to angle blind slats so that they face upwards. This will allow sunlight to be directed towards the walls and ceiling instead of directly towards your hardwood floors.
Tip #2: Regulate Indoor Humidity Levels
Depending on where you live, summer can bring high humidity levels that can wreak havoc on your hardwood floors.
Because wood is a natural product that responds to humidity by expanding and contracting, it is important to constantly measure the relative humidity levels in your home, especially during the summertime.
A good rule of thumb when dealing with hardwood flooring is to keep the humidity levels in your home anywhere between 35% and 55%.
You can measure the humidity in your home by using a Humidistat or a Hygrometer, an instrument that measures the moisture content in the atmosphere. Once the humidity index exceeds 55%, you risk the possibility for moisture to seep into your floors, causing them to swell and cup.
If you want to prevent humidity from ruining your floors this summer, make sure that your air conditioner is running properly or consider buying a dehumidifier for your home.
Tip #3: Practice Proper Floor Maintenance
Summer typically means more traffic for your floors. Kids are out of school for summer vacation and hosting family gatherings become a common occurrence.
Chances are, you will find yourself cleaning your floors more than you are used to. For this reason, it is important to know the right way to keep your floors healthy and looking great.
We recommend ditching the dust mop and opting for a backpack vacuum cleaner instead. Dust mops and brooms can cause dirt and dust to settle in-between the wooden boards and mopping with water-based products can deteriorate your floor’s wood and finish.
For best results, use a backpack vacuum with a bare floor attachment at least once a week.
Expert Flooring Solutions in South Florida
Caring for hardwood floors can be demanding but by taking proper measurements, you can make ensure that your hardwood floors stay beautiful even during the hot Florida summer months.
Contact the flooring professionals at Foundation Flooring today and discover what our team of experienced and hardworking flooring experts can do for you.
Foundation Flooring can help you pick out the perfect flooring surface for your home or office. We offer a wide variety of custom and brand name flooring at affordable prices that fit your budget. No matter your flooring needs, your Foundation Flooring team is here to help.
Ready to get started? Call Foundation Flooring today at (954) 357-2777 and let us fulfill all your flooring needs.