Flooring for Homes in Hot and Humid Climates

Finding the right flooring for your home goes far beyond choosing the most affordable or aesthetically pleasing designs. You also have to think about how the local climate might affect the look and resiliency of your floors and how certain flooring types make the indoor environment and household residents feel during times of extremely muggy weather. Here are a few flooring options to consider for hot and humid climates.

Vinyl and Linoleum
Although vinyl and linoleum flooring are sometimes considered one and the same, these two flooring options are actually quite different. Though linoleum is typically natural, vinyl is entirely synthetic. However, both can keep a living space reasonably cool throughout the hottest months. If properly installed by licensed professionals, vinyl and linoleum floors can also maintain their aesthetic integrity and appeal in spite of higher than average indoor moisture levels. Before choosing either one of these options, talk to your trusted San Diego flooring company about the likelihood of warping, buckling, or peeling.

Porcelain, Natural Stone, or Ceramic Tile
Ceramic, natural stone, and porcelain tile flooring are among the best choices for homes in areas prone to warm, humid temperatures because they won’t buckle or peel. Moreover, should excess humidity cause the tiles to shift or lift up, the resulting repairs are typically inexpensive and easy.

Hardwood
In San Diego, hardwood floors are a worthwhile choice for homeowners who want an attractive and cool surface that’s entirely natural in composition. Though excess moisture can lead to warped, buckled, and swollen boards, homeowners can mitigate these problems by running dehumidifiers during the most humid months. Hardwood is a common addition in homes with radiant floor heating and can usually stand up to warmer than average temperatures.

Laminate
In recent years, laminate flooring has come a long way in both quality and aesthetics. Unlike thick carpeting, this choice won’t trap heat in the home. Though it can be cool on the feet, some laminate flooring might not successfully survive ongoing exposure to extreme indoor humidity. In excessively humid conditions, the edges of laminate flooring can start to buckle and swell, but higher-quality laminate is less likely to be susceptible to this damage.

San Diego tends to get hot and somewhat humid in the summer. If you’re looking to renovate your floors to help your home stay cooler in the warmer months, get in touch with Unique Flooring. Stop by our showroom or give us a call at 760-945-0010 and one of our friendly representatives would be happy to help you find the right floor for your home.