Spring is finally in the air in Nashville, and while we’re enjoying the many benefits of the warm weather, this wet and muddy season does pose problems for flooring. Here are some tips for combating moisture intrusion in the spring (and year-round).
Moisture Meets Flooring
Water can destroy even the sturdiest flooring if it’s not properly installed and cared for. However, not every type of flooring is equally at risk for moisture intrusion. Moisture and flooring don’t mix, but hardwood, laminate, and carpeting are the most at-risk types. Wood-based flooring like hardwood or laminate can be penetrated by moisture and absorb water. When wood or any other material absorbs water, it expands. This expansion leads to swelling, warping, and even cracking in extreme cases. Then, once the water does eventually dry, you’re left with permanently damaged wood that may be stained, warped, spaced oddly, or cracked.
For carpeting, water and humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth in the carpet fibers. This growth can cause the material to break down, become uncomfortable, and develop smells and stains. Water damage doesn’t stop at the floor, either. It will soak through into the subflooring of a home in extreme cases and cause damage that is incredibly costly to repair. Since this can be structural, it may render your home unsafe if you don’t seek immediate moisture intrusion solutions. Even waterproof flooring like luxury vinyl planks or ceramic tiles can fall victim to moisture intrusion. While these floors should be waterproof, improper subfloor sealing or shoddy installation can allow moisture to sit between the subfloor and flooring, leading to damage and mold growth. This can make the air quality in your home unsafe or rot the floor if left unmitigated.
Preventing Water Damage
Humidity and moisture are two of the biggest threats to home and commercial flooring, and the spring season brings so much water with it every year. So, how do you prevent moisture intrusion? Keeping your flooring clean and dry all spring is a great start. For muddy shoes and wet paws, make sure you’re using a moisture-proof floor mat to absorb as much water as possible in entryways. This keeps water away from the flooring of your home, which can make a big difference. Water building up on wood, laminate, or carpeting can slowly leech into the deeper layers and threaten the subfloor.
Another way to keep water damage at bay this spring is to install a moisture barrier for flooring when necessary. A moisture barrier is a plastic material that goes between the subfloor and your installed flooring. Usually, moisture barriers are reserved for concrete slabs or subfloors. Since concrete is porous, it can allow water to slowly leech upward and get trapped between the concrete and flooring, whether it’s vinyl or laminate. With the plastic moisture barrier in place, this prevents any damage to the flooring and deflects moisture safely away from the floor.
Moisture intrusion is no joke in a residential or commercial setting, but it can usually be avoided by proactive and professional installation.
Keep Your Floors Pristine
Looking to explore your options for preventing moisture damage in your home’s flooring? Work with Ozburn-Hessey for your installation to ensure that things are done right the first time so you never need to stress about springtime humidity and your flooring again.
