Temperature and Climate Effect on Flooring Types

Have you ever wondered what the impact of climate is on your flooring? Whether it is a hot summer or a freezing winter, the climate conditions can totally affect the flooring in your house, design experts reveal. There is a wide variety of floorings to choose from for your space with different durability extents, but for better or for worse, they are affected by climate to various extents. If you are not sure what causes the flooring to not be in good condition, take a look at the comprehensive list below to find out what are the main factors:

Moisture

Here comes the big trouble! Moisture can be considered your biggest enemy. Not only does it affect all types of flooring, but it also causes some types to wrap up in the long term such as natural hardwood. In floorings whose planks are stuck together using glues or adhesives like laminate, moisture causes the edges to crown, making the flooring look fragmented.

Experts recommend you balance the level of humidity inside the house to save time and money over time. The best flooring resistant to moisture is vinyl, so if you live in highly humid areas, vinyl is an ideal option for the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.

Temperature

To lessen the effect of temperature fluctuations on your flooring, choose types that are backed by an in-floor heating layer. Laminate is probably the best choice for you since it transfers heat very well and is also budget-friendly. Other alternatives are engineered hardwood and vinyl. The synthetic texture of vinyl is less susceptible to climate change, especially in cold areas.

Keep in mind that extremely high or low temperatures cause moisture. So, you need to take the necessary measures in advance such as installing high-quality subfloors and vapor barriers, choosing the right materials, and placing floor mats.

What Kind of flooring is right for me?

Now you may ask what type of flooring is right for me. Well, see the types of floorings below to help you better decide:

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is well-known for its durability and visual appeal, but it is challenging when it comes to temperature changes. The wood expands in high temperatures and shrinks and warps in humid areas. To slow down this process, you can acclimate the wood flooring prior to the installation. Besides, use the right type of adhesives when gluing planks.

Engineered Wood

Compared to solid hardwood flooring, engineered wood has proved to be more durable in adverse conditions. The reason can be that it is made of several component layers including a plywood core and a backing layer. To increase the lifespan of engineered wood, you can acclimate the flooring to the climate before installation to minimize the potential risks.

Vinyl

Though elegant and durable, luxury vinyl flooring is prone to change during climate change. The most important thing to consider when installing vinyl is to opt for the right adhesive so that the flooring will not warp or damage. New technologies have made vinyl more stable in reaction to climate changes; the rigid core vinyl in new products has made this flooring popular in the eyes of homeowners.

Laminate

The other recommended flooring by designers in adverse climates is laminate. Its multi-layered structure makes it an ideal choice for your space. But don’t forget that it is susceptible to temperature changes. In high temperatures, laminate flooring is expanded and contracted in colder environments, reducing the durability of the flooring and causing planks to separate. By using an extra layer of insulation, you can add to its lifespan and enjoy the everlasting flooring.

Tile

All types of tiles are suitable for adverse climates such as porcelain and ceramic. They are moisture-resistant, thus suitable for humid areas. But they break under heavy pressures and extreme temperature fluctuations. So, they are not ideal for places prone to earthquakes causing them to crack.