Home maintenance changes by the season. Preventative measures you take in the winter will differ from the projects you lay out for the summer. Weather changes and temperature trends influence your home and the work you need to do to protect it. This is particularly true of hardwood flooring. Temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and other environmental factors can cause damage to your floors. Luckily, you can implement a few simple solutions to keep your floors beautiful throughout every season. Learn how to protect your gorgeous home from these summer dangers for your hardwood flooring.
Dust, Dirt, and Debris
We usually spend more time outside in the summer. The longer days, warmer weather, and brilliant sunshine draw people outdoors for much of the season. Unfortunately, this means tracking a lot more dirt into your home. Dirt, dust, and other debris cling to the bottoms of your shoes and make their way onto your hardwood floors. In addition to making a mess of your beautiful floors, this dirt can grind into the wood’s finish and ruin the shining layer that keeps your floors safe. Stay on top of dirt by establishing a no shoes policy. It’s also a good idea to keep doormats at external entrances. You can also set up a mudroom where people can discard dirty shoes.
Moisture Problems
Moisture is the enemy of hardwood and one of the biggest summer dangers for your hardwood flooring. Wood floors consist of real and natural wood and are therefore susceptible to water and moisture exposure. Even engineered wood floors can expand when they encounter moisture. In the summer, warmer temperatures can cause a spike in humidity levels. This humidity can cause your floors to warp, buckle, or crack. Use a dehumidifier and run exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to keep your home at an optimal 30 to 50 percent humidity.
Sun-Bleached Flooring
Natural lighting is a wonderful addition to any room, but it can take its toll on your floors in the summer. Too much sunlight will bleach your floors over time, causing the color to fade. Sun-blocking curtains or blinds can minimize damage, but this prevents all the beautiful sunlight from lighting up the room. Alternatively, you can put down area rugs to cover areas that get a lot of sunshine. However, this isn’t always ideal for the room’s design. That’s why many people turn to UV-resistant finishes for their wood floors. A protective coating will minimize sun damage and preserve the rich and beautiful color of your home’s flooring.
