As the summer continues, many people are concerned about vacations, swimming parties, and other such activities. Few consider their hardwood floors, as they are probably the last thing on your mind right now. Unfortunately, the summer sun and humidity can actually leave your floors vulnerable to damage. To help you protect your hardwood floors, we at Mike’s Custom Flooring would like to share some the dangers of direct sunlight and high humidity and tips on how to handle the summer.
Does Direct Sunlight Ruin Hardwood Floors?
Most do not realize the damage that is done when the sunlight streaming through the windows onto your wood floors to help them look gorgeous. The ultraviolet light can break down chemicals in the wood, causing a fading effect, similar to the way the sun “bleaches” your hair, because the summer is the time of year when the sun’s rays are most intense and direct. The overall look of your floors to be uneven and blotchy is caused when you notice the wood by your windows growing lighter over time.
Can High Humidity Make Hardwood Floors Buckle?
Though no less dangerous to your floors, the increase in humidity during the summer months is indirectly related to the sunshine. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air can. The wood planks will begin to absorb the moisture and expand, sometimes causing warping and cupping if the humidity in your home is not properly regulated. In extreme cases it can permanently damage your wood planks, this effect often corrects itself when humidity returns to normal levels.
Hardwood Floor Protection Tips
You can safeguard your floors through the summer months, so you don’t have to think about them anymore by taking a few precautionary measures. Below are a few tips you need consider.
1) During periods of direct sunlight, the drapes, curtains, and/ or blinds should be closed. This is the easiest way to reduce sunlight exposure, by far.
2) Consider window treatments or upgraded windows. Low-e windows will filter out harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays from the sun, making the sunlight safer for your floors if you prefer keeping your drapes or blinds open, but they are a more expensive option.
3) Rotate the furniture regularly. Strategically placed rug can cover your wood floors in the parts of the room that get exposed to sunlight or arranged furniture.
4) Use the air conditioner often since cooler air naturally holds less humidity. If you live in area that is commonly humid, be sure to maintain humidity levels inside the home should be between 35-45%.
Hardwood Floor Installation, Repairs, Refinishing & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA
It doesn’t have to be a point of panic, though the summer heat and humidity have the potential to wreak havoc on your floors. If you do experience damage to the hardwood floors, Mike’s Custom Flooring is readily available to provide quality repairs. In addition to providing repairs, Mike’s Custom Flooring offers top-quality installation and maintenance services. For your home or business in Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in WV as well as Frederick, Loudoun and Fairfax Counties in VA, wood floor services, call Mike’s Custom Flooring and let us help you.
