As the heat of summer fades and crisp autumn air settles in, your home is not the only thing experiencing seasonal changes. Your floors are, too. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can have a big impact on both hardwood and vinyl floors. Understanding how humidity affects floors will help you protect your investment and keep your floors looking beautiful year-round.
How Humidity Affects Floors
When humidity levels rise, moisture in the air can be absorbed by natural wood flooring, causing it to expand. In fall, when cooler weather brings drier air, that moisture can evaporate, leading to contraction. These changes are completely natural, but they can result in minor gaps, cupping, or even warping if conditions shift too quickly.
Vinyl floors, especially those built on a Rigid Stone Core like VinylNova, are far more stable in fluctuating humidity. Even so, they still benefit from maintaining a balanced indoor climate to protect the subfloor and overall installation.
The Ideal Indoor Climate for Floors
To prevent seasonal damage, aim to keep your home’s indoor humidity between 30%–50% year-round. Temperatures should ideally stay between 60–80°F. This range minimizes expansion and contraction in wood and keeps vinyl performing at its best.
Tools like a hygrometer can help monitor humidity levels, while humidifiers or dehumidifiers can be used to adjust the environment as needed.
Fall-Specific Flooring Tips
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Avoid sudden climate changes by adjusting your thermostat gradually.
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Use entryway mats to prevent rain and mud from being tracked onto floors, reducing scratches and water damage.
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Check for drafts that cause uneven temperatures which can affect floor performance.
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Clean up spills promptly to prevent moisture from seeping into seams or damaging the finish.
Why Quality Matters Year-Round
High-quality floors are designed to handle seasonal changes better. Garrison hardwood is crafted with precision milling and stable core layers to reduce movement, while our luxury vinyl floors are built to withstand moisture and temperature variations without losing their beauty.
Whether you are enjoying the last golden days of summer or embracing cozy fall evenings, maintaining the right indoor environment ensures your floors stay strong, stable, and stunning for years to come.