When floors succumb to dampness, moisture seeps through to foundations, into walls, and creates damage to your home.
Flooring materials function differently depending on the climate. But how do you choose an option with the look you want and with your climate in mind?
Here are the best types of flooring for hot and humid climates.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Humidity and moisture cause hardwood floors to expand or warp.
While hardwood floors are popular, they are expensive to maintain and to replace if there is an issue. When choosing a new floor, consider customized Luxury Vinyl Tile instead of hardwood.
This is not the cheap stick-and-peel vinyl or laminate you might find in older homes. Luxury Vinyl Tile comes in layers for durability. It holds up well to heat, damp conditions, and high traffic.
At an affordable cost, this flooring material is easy to maintain. Depending on your tastes, Luxury Vinyl looks like a variety of different surfaces (including hardwood).
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is a hard, very durable surface--perfect for damp climates.
It is harder than ceramic. Because of the manufacturing process, porcelain's density absorbs very little water from humidity.
The high density also makes it durable. And if you feel creative, porcelain provides more design options than ceramic or other flooring materials.
Concrete
This flooring option is growing in popularity. The simple maintenance and creative finishes--from stains to textures--make it a desirable choice.
When properly sealed, concrete absorbs very little moisture. Concrete will also stay cooler in warmer climates than most other flooring options, especially when compared to carpet.
Because concrete doesn't absorb moisture, it reduces the growth of mold or mildew in the event of flooding. This is a great feature for allergy or asthma sufferers.
Rubber
This option is a little outside-the-box, but rubber flooring is a great option for damp climates.
You might think of rubber floors in hospitals and cafeterias. It's comfortable and easy to clean.
With the right color and finish, it's perfect for your home, too.
Rubber does not absorb moisture. It's also a great DIY flooring option--easy to install and often less expensive than other flooring materials.
Whether you use rubber flooring in a bathroom, the kitchen, or in other areas of your home, it's worth considering for homes in humid climates.
Many Types of Flooring Survive Humid Climates
If you're fighting a moisture issue, don't feel limited by the types of flooring options when choosing a new floor for your home. Even in humid and damp climates, many flooring materials survive for the long-haul.
But if you aren't sure what's best for your home, your budget, and your design tastes, we are here to help.
Since 2002, we are craftsmen in the flooring business helping customers update homes and businesses.
Whether it's refinishing a floor or installing a new one, contact us for a free estimate.
