Tips to Protect Your Floors from Snow, Salt and Slush

Engineered hardwood can also work for those who want a genuine wood surface. Due to its cross-ply structure, engineered wood tolerates humidity changes far better than solid wood, which should generally be avoided on concrete. Use a moisture barrier to protect it.

This is where engineered wood really shines. Instead of using a single solid piece of wood, engineered wood consists of multiple layers: a genuine wood veneer glued over a plywood or HDF core. That construction reduces seasonal movement.

When shopping, check the thickness of the wear layer. A thicker wear layer means you can refinish the floor down the road, increasing the life of your floor. Don’t forget to keep indoor humidity at a steady level all year long.

Picking the right floor is one of the biggest decisions you will make during a renovation. Across Canada, the decision is even more important because our homes have to withstand freezing winters, warm and humid summers, snow and road salt carried in on every boot.

Road salt leaves a white film that can dull the finish of your floor. Wipe up salty puddles as soon as possible using a soft mop and a floor-specific cleaner. Stay away from steam mops on hardwood and laminate.

First of all, test the humidity of the concrete. A basic moisture test such as taping a square of plastic to the floor for a day or two will indicate whether moisture comes through. Address water problems before you install anything.

Vinyl plank flooring is often at the top of the list for pet owners. It’s water-resistant, meaning spilled drinks become no big deal. A durable top layer helps resist scuffs, while the cushioned feel feels more comfortable than tile.

The cold season in Canada can be picturesque, yet it is rough on your floors. Melting snow, road salt, sand and low indoor humidity can all wear out your floors over time. With the right routine, it is easy to keep your flooring beautiful through the winter.

Hardwood floors continues to be one of the most requested features buyers love. Engineered hardwood delivers the same appeal and better stability across the seasons. If you need to control costs, LVP or laminate will create a similar wood look at a fraction of the price.

Tile remains extremely durable, although it can feel chilly if you do not combine it with a heated floor system. Carpet, meanwhile, feels warm but can trap moisture, which is why rugs over a hard floor tend to be a safer bet.

Homes in Canada experience big humidity changes every year. In the cold months, furnaces dry out indoor air; in summer, humidity go up quickly. For natural wood, these changes may cause gapping, crowning and movement.

Luxury vinyl plank is widely considered the best choice below grade. Many LVP collections are fully waterproof, so they will not be damaged if a small leak shows up. Rigid core vinyl can also bridge small irregularities in the subfloor.

Continuity is also important. Too many flooring types throughout the house can make a home appear disjointed. Using a single floor through the main living areas creates a clean, open feel that buyers appreciate.

Laminate is also a great option. Its tough wear layer stays highly resistant to claw marks, in many cases better than other floors. Choose products with an AC4 or AC5 rating plus water-resistant edges for families with pets.

What you get is simply a floor that looks identical to solid hardwood but stays more stable through the seasons. Since it moves less, engineered hardwood is often suitable in rooms where solid wood is not recommended, like below-grade rooms and over radiant heating.

The first line of defence is the entrance. Place a sturdy outdoor mat and a washable absorbent rug indoors each door. Two mats catches most of the salt and grit before it can scratch your flooring. Set up a boot tray to make sure snowy boots aren’t left directly on the floor.

Renovating a basement is a great way to gain extra square footage and value in your house. Yet basements come with special challenges: cold concrete, moisture and colder floors. Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to mold, swelling and expensive replacements.

If you share your home with dogs, cats or young children, you know how quickly floors take a beating. Pet nails, toy cars and blocks, juice spills and muddy boots quickly stain a poorly chosen floor in no time. Luckily: modern flooring materials are built to stand up to real life.

Can you still have hardwood? Yes, but be selective. Harder species like hickory and white oak hold up better, and wire-brushed textures or textured surfaces disguise small scratches better than glossy floors.

Humidity is also very important. During the heating season, the air inside gets very dry, which causes hardwood to contract and https://khargharonline.com/author/richellehun/ cracks to open. Using a humidifier to maintain humidity at a stable level benefits your floors and your health.

The Canadian climate has a big role. Traditional solid wood moves between seasons, which means it performs best with proper acclimatization and a good humidifier in winter. Engineered wood offers the same natural look with greater stability, which makes it a popular choice in our climate.