Maintaining Your Laminate Floors Through Canada’s Seasons

Laminate flooring has become a beloved choice for Canadian homeowners due to its remarkable durability, versatility, and realistic designs that mimic natural wood or stone. Its ability to withstand the hustle and bustle of daily life makes it ideal for busy households across British Columbia and Alberta.

However, Canada’s diverse and often extreme seasons – from the dry, frigid winters to the humid summers – present unique challenges for maintaining any flooring. At Jordans Flooring, with over 90 years of experience serving the Lower Mainland, we know the importance of seasonal care. Here’s how to effectively maintain your laminate floors through Canada’s ever-changing climate.

Understanding Laminate Flooring’s Seasonal Sensitivities

Laminate flooring is designed to be stable, but like most materials with a wood-based core, it can be sensitive to significant fluctuations in temperature and, more importantly, humidity. The core of laminate planks can absorb or release moisture, leading to:

Winter (Dry Air):

Low humidity can cause laminate planks to contract slightly, potentially leading to small gaps between boards. Excessively dry conditions can also make the wear layer more brittle over time.

Summer (Humid Air):

High humidity can cause planks to expand, which, if not properly accounted for during installation (with adequate expansion gaps), can lead to buckling, peaking, or warping.

Proper maintenance through these seasonal shifts is key to preserving your laminate’s beauty and longevity.

Essential Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Laminate Floors

Adopting a proactive approach to laminate floor care, tailored to Canada’s distinct seasons, will ensure your investment lasts for years.

1. Winter Maintenance: Battling Dryness and Dirt

Canadian winters bring cold temperatures and often very low indoor humidity, especially when heating systems are running constantly. They also mean tracking in more snow, salt, and slush.

• Humidity Control is Crucial: This is arguably the most important winter tip. Invest in a humidifier, especially for larger open-concept areas, to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. This helps prevent the planks from contracting and creating gaps, and keeps the core stable.
• Protect from Moisture (Snow/Slush/Salt):
  • Place high-quality doormats at all entrances to trap moisture, snow, ice, and salt.
  • Use boot trays or shoe racks for wet footwear immediately upon entry.
  • Immediately wipe up any melted snow or tracked-in slush. Salt can be abrasive and potentially damaging to the wear layer over time.
• Gentle Cleaning: Dust mop or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive grit that can scratch the surface. Use a slightly damp (never wet) mop for cleaning. Avoid excessive water, as standing water is laminate’s biggest enemy.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stick to cleaners specifically designed for laminate or a simple mix of water and a tiny bit of mild dish soap. Harsh chemicals can strip the protective wear layer.

2. Spring Maintenance: Post-Winter Cleanup and Preparation for Humidity

As snow melts and temperatures rise, spring brings increased moisture and humidity, along with pollen and lingering winter debris.

• Deep Clean from Winter Residue: Thoroughly clean your laminate floors to remove any lingering salt, dirt, or grime accumulated during winter. Use a proper laminate cleaner and a well-wrung mop.
• Address Any Gaps (Naturally): Don’t worry too much about small gaps that appeared in winter. As humidity levels naturally rise in spring, the planks should subtly expand and close these gaps.
• Check for Expansion Gaps: If you notice any signs of buckling or peaking, it might indicate insufficient expansion gaps during installation. This is a rare occurrence with professional installation but something to monitor.
• Continue Mat Usage: Keep doormats in place, especially if spring showers are frequent.

3. Summer Maintenance: Managing Humidity and Sun Exposure

Canadian summers can range from mild to quite humid, and strong sunlight can also affect floors.

• Humidity Control (Again!): If your area experiences high summer humidity, consider using a dehumidifier or ensuring good air circulation with air conditioning. This helps prevent excessive expansion and potential buckling. Aim for the same 30-50% humidity range.
• Protect from Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to intense direct sunlight can cause fading or discolouration over many years, particularly in areas near large windows. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window treatments during peak sun hours.
• Regular Cleaning: Increased outdoor activity in summer means more dirt, sand, and dust. Dust mop or vacuum frequently to prevent abrasive particles from scratching the surface.
• Wipe Spills Promptly: Summer gatherings often mean more spills. Always clean up any liquid spills immediately to prevent moisture penetration.

4. Autumn Maintenance: Preparing for Winter

As autumn approaches, temperatures drop, and indoor heating often resumes, starting the cycle of dryness again.

• Pre-Winter Cleaning: Give your laminate floors a good, thorough cleaning before the heating season truly kicks in.
• Review Humidity Strategy: Ensure your humidification system is ready for winter. Clean filters and make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Inspect Doormats: Replace worn-out doormats and ensure they are ready to trap winter debris.
• Check Furniture Protectors: Autumn is a good time to ensure all furniture legs have felt pads to prevent scratches as furniture might be moved around more frequently for cleaning or seasonal decor changes.

General Year-Round Laminate Care Tips

Beyond seasonal considerations, these tips apply year-round:

• Never Wet Mop: Always use a slightly damp mop or a cleaner specifically for laminate. Excess water is the greatest threat to laminate.
• Clean Spills Immediately: Don’t let liquids sit on the surface.
• Use Floor Protectors: Place felt pads under all furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
• Lift, Don’t Drag: When moving heavy furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it across the floor.
• Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Remove dirt, grit, and debris that can act as abrasives.

Consult the Canada’s Laminate Flooring Experts: Jordans Flooring

Maintaining your laminate floors through Canada’s diverse seasons requires a thoughtful, proactive approach, with humidity control being a year-round priority. By following these seasonal and general care tips, you can ensure your laminate floors remain beautiful, stable, and durable for many years to come, no matter what the British Columbia or Alberta weather throws at them.

Call or visit Jordans Flooring. With 15 locations across British Columbia and Alberta, including showrooms in and around the Lower Mainland, we are a family-owned retail and outlet flooring business that has proudly served the Lower Mainland for over 90 years. We offer high-quality flooring products at a fraction of normal retail prices, as well as full installation services. Whether you’re interested in carpet, hardwood, vinyl plank, laminate, or an area rug, we can help!