Finding the right type of flooring for your area’s climate is important, especially if you want your floors to last a long time. Some floors can handle environments with humidity, while others can only handle dry places. If you install the wrong type of ground, you may have to deal with mold, mildew and floor swelling and contracting. Before you install any type of floor in your home, you need to check out this guide on the best floors for different types of environments.
Humid Environments
If you live in a humid climate, the type of flooring you install is crucial. Some flooring like hardwood can contract, swell and expand in humid areas. This expanding and swelling means that you will have gapping and cracks after installation. And once water and moisture hit your floors, then mold and mildew can grow underneath them. You will want to avoid these situations by installing water-resistant floors like ceramic tile, high-pressure laminate, waterproof flooring and luxury vinyl.
Temperate Environments
Temperate climates are areas that get average temperatures throughout the year. Some days may be cold, while some days may be warmer, but typically, the weather is the same. Hardwood flooring thrives in temperate environments. They do not swell, contract, expand or bend usually in these areas. However, Mother Nature has a mind of her own, so there are times where problems happen.
Dry Environments
While you may think that all floors work the best in dry environments, that is not true. Any type of tile does the best in dry areas like deserts. While you may not have to deal with many cases of flooding in these dry places, you will have to worry about cleaning up messes. Therefore, you can still mop to your heart’s content in this climate.
Cold Environments
Living in colder environments means you are going to want flooring that will keep you warm. Carpet is typically the number one choice for homeowners who live in cold climates. This type of flooring adds extra insulation as well as comfort. However, if you decide to place a heating system under your floor, go with a thinner carpet. And, for homes in cold areas that have access to wet times of the year, you will want to place a moisture barrier underneath as well.
Wet Environments
In climates with excessive water and moisture, you will need floors that can withstand it. The best floor for wet environments is waterproof flooring. Waterproof flooring is 100% waterproof. And, if they do get wet, you can take them off, let them dry out and reinstall them. Your second-best type of floor to use is tile. It is water-resistant and easy to maintain.
All Environments
Luckily, there is flooring that works for all environments. Concrete, tile and luxury vinyl can go down in any home in any environment. You can also place these flooring options in any part of your home. However, most people do not leave concrete alone unless it is in a basement or garage. In most cases, people will go with tile and luxury vinyl.
Now that you know the best types of flooring for your environment, it is time to start installing. And if you live in Belleville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville or the surrounding areas, let Valor Home Services be your go-to flooring installer. For more information, give us a call today.
