Climate-Friendly Flooring and How it Impacts Your Family

In Atlanta, we are fortunate to enjoy relatively mild winters; however, summertime in our fair city is not always for the faint of heart. High humidity and sweltering temperatures are oftentimes the norm during the peak of the summer months; the debate over climate change, notwithstanding. Conversely, other areas of the country enjoy cool summers but may suffer from brutal extremes in wintertime. Regardless of your geographical location, there is a suitable floor to fit any climate.

Climate-friendly flooring is essential for homes in areas which experience extreme conditions. Either end of the temperature spectrum ~ hot or cold~ can warp or crack floors. Humidity levels also play an integral role when it comes to flooring choices. Hardwood, cork, and bamboo floors are all subject to warping and cracking due to humidity levels. If your area experiences high humidity on a routine basis, we recommend decreasing indoor moisture via a dehumidifier and exhaust fans. If low levels of humidity are the culprit, utilize a humidifier to increase moisture in the air and protect your flooring. The key is to maintain a consistent environment. Either way, you and your family will undoubtedly appreciate an increased comfort level.

If, on the other hand, you live in a hot, dry, arid area, tile or stone flooring is recommended. Laminates and hardwoods do not perform as well in this type of environment. Denizens in southwestern states are all too aware of the damage this type of climate creates; hence, the predominance of stone and tile floors in many of these homes.

Recently, several areas of the country experienced severe flooding. Water is one of the most detrimental elements in nature. Given enough time, it can destroy objects as hard as stone. So, if you reside in an environment prone to flooding, there are several steps you can take to protect your home. First, ensure all entry points for water are sealed. Second, if your home is in a flood plain or prone to flood, concrete and tile flooring are your best bets due to their inherently water-resistant nature.

Additionally, you may wish to consider increasing the space between your floor and subfloor to allow unrestrained passage of water thereby eliminating the threat of pressure buildup which can result in severe damage to your home.

Your best bet is to consult with the staff of your local flooring outlet to determine the ideal floor for your specific environment.