Florida is famously hot and humid, and choosing the right flooring for the climate can prevent moisture-related damage throughout your home. If you’re replacing flooring or preparing for a remodel, start by exploring the best flooring for humid climates like St. Petersburg.
Flooring for Humid Areas: What to Look For
Humid climates expose flooring (and you!) to high moisture levels year-round. Florida’s average year-round humidity is approximately 74.5%, even in communities away from the Gulf or Atlantic. Elevated humidity levels can cause some flooring materials to absorb moisture from the air, causing them to expand, warp, or buckle. That’s why hardwood and even engineered wood flooring require extra care and attention; both materials absorb and expel moisture as humidity levels change.
When you’re look for flooring, choose something that won’t absorb moisture, is water-resistant, and can withstand daily foot traffic too.
1. Vinyl Flooring
You can still achieve the warm, natural look of wood flooring while keeping humidity in mind. Luxury vinyl plank is made primarily from PVC so it won’t expand or warp. Look for stone plastic composite (SPC) core options, which have greater dimensional stability compared to standard core options.
Vinyl is a good fit for any room in the home, plus it’s easy to clean and famously durable.
2. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile absorbs less than 0.5% of water on its surface, and as long as you use the right grout and have it professionally installed, it is nearly impervious to humidity. You’ll find porcelain tile in many St. Petersburg homes, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
3. Ceramic Tile
While slightly less waterproof than porcelain, ceramic tile is nearly as dense and performs extremely well in high-humidity areas.
Preserve Any Type of Flooring by Keeping Humidity in Check
Vinyl and tile flooring are usually considered the best flooring for humid areas, but Floridians should still keep indoor humidity levels in check. Long periods of high humidity contribute to mildew growth in any flooring (especially carpet) and may cause warping, buckling, or adhesive failure in wood and laminate products.
Here are a few ways you can protect your floors from humidity:
- Use a dehumidifier. Run dehumidifiers in basements, crawlspaces, and laundry rooms. Using your air conditioning system consistently will also mitigate the risks of high indoor humidity.
- Get in the zone. Track indoor humidity levels with a hygrometer (your thermostat may also read humidity) and aim to keep humidity between 30% and 50%. This will keep you comfortable and help prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Perform regular maintenance. Each flooring material requires regular maintenance. From regular sweeping and mopping to long-term care, stay on top of material-specific preventative maintenance. For example, some manufacturers recommend sealing tile grout every 1-3 years. Follow any recommendations offered by your manufacturer to keep your floor in great condition.
Not Sure Which Floor Type Is Best for You?
Floor Coverings International® of St. Petersburg has helped hundreds of area residents choose, install, and enjoy flooring in our hot and humid climate. Make an informed investment in your property with professionally curated options from our experienced Design Associates.
Explore over 3,000 products and flooring samples from the convenience of your kitchen table; schedule your free in-home consultation today!
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