How to Protect Hardwood and Vinyl Floors from Snow, Salt and Slush

Canadian homes go through significant seasonal swings throughout the year. In winter, heating systems dry out the air; during summer, humidity go up sharply. For wood flooring, this cycle may cause gapping, cupping and squeaks.

Luxury vinyl plank is often the go-to floor http://Crativ.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=info1&wr_id=154638 below grade. Several LVP collections are water-resistant, meaning they won’t be damaged when a small leak shows up. SPC and WPC vinyl also hide small irregularities in the concrete.

Laminate makes a good contender. The protective top layer is very resistant to scuffs and scratches, often even more than vinyl. Choose products with a high abrasion rating and water-resistant features for the best performance.

Laying it is also more flexible. Depending on the collection, engineered wood can be installed as a floating floor, glued down or stapled. Such flexibility makes it a top choice for renovators and DIYers across the country.

When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to colour, style and price. Yet what goes under the floor plays an equally important role. Quality underlay improves how the floor feels, sound and protection against moisture, while can help your flooring last longer.

The cold season in Canada is beautiful, however it is rough on your floors. Snow, calcium chloride, grit and dry heated air can all dull your floors if left unchecked. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your flooring beautiful all season long.

LVP is usually at the top of the list for pet owners. It’s waterproof, meaning pet accidents are no big deal. A durable top layer will help reduce scuffs, while its softer feel feels more comfortable than tile.

What you get is simply flooring that feels exactly like solid hardwood but performs better through the seasons. Since it moves less, engineered hardwood is often suitable in areas in which solid wood would struggle, including basements and over radiant heating.

First of all, check the moisture level in the slab. A simple test like taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for a day or two will indicate any moisture problem. Address any leaks prior to installing any floor.

One of its main jobs is acoustic insulation. Laminate and click vinyl often sound noisy if installed directly on the subfloor. The right underlay dampens that hollow sound, something that is especially important in apartments and condos where strata rules may set minimum sound ratings.

A good underlay can also compensates for minor imperfections beneath the floor and adds some comfort and insulation. Remember, however, it is not a substitute for a flat subfloor: major unevenness need to be corrected beforehand.

Porcelain tile is virtually waterproof, but it can feel cold underfoot if you do not you add a heated floor system. Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, is cozy yet can trap moisture, which is why carpet tiles are often a better solution.

One important note: some planks already have an attached underlayment. When that is the case, adding another underlay may create problems and affect the warranty. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Finishing a basement is an excellent way to increase the usable space and resale value to your home. But basements present special challenges: cold concrete, moisture and lower temperatures. Choosing the wrong flooring may result in mold, buckling and expensive replacements.

When your household includes little ones and four-legged friends, you have probably learned how quickly floors suffer. Claws, toys, spills and muddy boots will stain the wrong floor in a few months. Luckily: current flooring products are made to survive real life.

What about hardwood? Yes, though make careful choices. Harder species like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, and wire-brushed textures or distressed or hand-scraped textures hide small scratches much better than a shiny finish.

Indoor humidity is also another key factor. During the heating season, the air in your home gets extremely dry, causing natural wood to contract and gaps to open. Using a humidifier to maintain humidity around 35 to 50 percent helps protect your wood floors and your furniture.

Engineered wood is a possibility for those who want natural wood. Due to its layered construction, it tolerates moisture swings much better than solid wood, and solid wood is not recommended in basements. Install it with a proper vapour barrier for the best results.

Climate has a major role. Solid hardwood expands and contracts as humidity rises and falls, so it should be installed once it has acclimatized and a good humidifier in winter. Engineered wood offers an authentic wood surface but with greater resistance to movement, which makes it a popular choice for Canadian homes.

Choosing a new floor is one of the biggest decisions homeowners make during a home renovation. In Canada, the selection is especially important because our floors have to handle long winters, warm and humid summers, melting snow and de-icing salt carried in on every boot.