Proper care will extend the lifespan of your hardwood floors. When it comes to giving your hardwood the longest lifespan possible, the primary thing you have to keep in mind is this: moisture is the enemy of your floors. But it’s not just moisture that can damage hardwood. Now that the cold weather is really upon us, you might be wondering: can winter weather hurt your wood floors?
Now that the cold is really upon us, you might be wondering: can winter weather hurt your hardwood floors?
The Short Answer
Let’s cut right to the chase: you don’t have to worry about colder temperatures harming your hardwood floors. Like we said, wood is a remarkably durable material. And let’s not forget where it came from: the wilderness. Your hardwood floors had to endure many tough winters exposed to the elements before it found its way into your home.
Still, just because cold weather doesn’t hurt your hardwood floors per se doesn’t mean there aren’t some special considerations you should take during winter to protect them.
Bursting Pipes
While colder temperature might not hurt your hardwood floors on their own, but a burst pipe certainly can. Whenever the temperature outside dips below freezing, there’s a chance you could have a pipe burst. If you get that kind of water on your hardwood floors, it can cause definite cracking and warping.
Sometimes, people try to save money on their gas and electric bill by wearing sweaters and blankets around the house instead of central or space heating. But there’s nothing frugal about a bursting pipe.
To prevent a bursting pipe, make sure that the temperature in your home doesn’t dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During days of extreme cold, leaving your tap dripping can help keep pressure on your side. And if you haven’t already, consider investing in insulated pipes.
Watch Out for Salt
Last year, we didn’t get too much snow in our area. But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t a significant amount of salt laid out on our streets and sidewalks. This is a great way to keep the outdoors safe for drivers and pedestrians alike. But if any of that salt gets on your hardwood, it can corrode and scratch your finish.
In much of the world, etiquette dictates that you remove your shoes before entering a house. Many Americans do the same, if only for the sake of comfort. In the wintertime, you might want to introduce this custom to your house for the sake of your hardwood floors.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 16 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
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