When you live in the South, you have a specific type of interior maintenance. These steps often revolve around moisture mitigation from the humidity. Air conditioners must remain optimal so that the home doesn’t get too hot or humid, causing walls and floors to bubble or crack. Exterior doors and windows must be sealed so that pests and heat don’t easily sneak in. The list goes on.
When installing new flooring, you’ll want to consider what types of flooring are right for your home. Of course, choosing something that’s aesthetically pleasing is a priority, but practical residential flooring is also essential to its longevity and your flooring budget.
There are many residential flooring options, but some can stand up to moisture better than others. And when you’re dealing with daily humidity between 70-100% in the South, moisture mitigation is essential.
Here are three types of flooring we recommend to avoid moisture damage that will cause mold and mildew issues, ruining your flooring.
Top Three Types of Flooring to Avoid Moisture Damage
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is more moisture resistant than the average flooring type. In fact, some of the best laminate flooring is waterproof. This makes this type of flooring perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and, most importantly, southern homes that deal with a lot of humidity.
Laminate floors are easy to maintain with weekly sweeping and mopping, as long as you don’t use harsh chemicals. If water is spilled, it’s recommended to clean it up quickly. Laminate floors also have many style options and can fit most interior aesthetics.
Hardwood Flooring
Classic hardwood flooring is durable to pretty much everything if properly maintained. These timeless floors always fit a home’s interior and can last for 50 years or more with proper maintenance. If there are spills, it’s recommended that you clean them immediately so mold doesn’t begin to grow. But because hardwood flooring is a natural material, they have a high threshold for temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Maintenance is easy, too. Weekly sweeping is essential to remove debris, and mopping with lukewarm water is also key.
Rubber Flooring
There’s a reason you see rubber flooring in so many gyms. They’re very moisture resistant and durable. But they’re no longer just for gyms. Rubber flooring comes in a plethora of different colors and styles and can complement your kitchen, living area, or playroom.
Rubber flooring is a type of soft flooring that’s very easy to clean and maintain. They can be washed as often as you desire and only require lukewarm water Rubber floors are typically made of a waterproof material themselves before being manufactured into rubber flooring. This allows them to stand up against water and moisture issues, significantly reducing the risk of mold in your floors.
Work with Flooring Experts!
At Ozburn-Hessey Company, we understand the steps it takes to ensure moisture doesn’t cause mold and mildew issues in your Middle Tennessee home. If you’re in the Nashville, TN, area, contact us today to get started so that your floors will last for decades!
