Preserving Hardwood Floors in Your Vacation Home

Vacation homes are the perfect getaway for relaxation, whether it’s for a few days or a few months. However, when no one is around, it’s important to think about what happens to your hardwood flooring. Even when transformed into flooring, wood remains a natural material that reacts to environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and sunlight. So, what steps can you take to protect your hardwood floors while you’re away? Here’s a guide to keeping your vacation home's hardwood floors in top condition.

Humidity and Temperature: The Biggest Threats to Hardwood Floors

The two most critical factors affecting hardwood floors are humidity and temperature, which are closely connected. Extreme humidity changes can be damaging, but high humidity over long periods is especially harmful. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends keeping humidity levels between 30-50% to help hardwood floors last longer and stay beautiful.

What Happens to Hardwood Floors in High Humidity?

During hot, humid summers, hardwood floors absorb excess moisture from the air. This causes the wood to expand, leading to issues like crowning, buckling, and cupping as the seams between the boards are stressed. Conversely, when humidity levels drop during colder months, wood boards shrink, potentially causing cracks and gaps between the boards. Over time, these cycles of expansion and contraction can seriously affect your floor’s longevity.

How to Control Humidity and Temperature

To protect your floors from these issues, it’s essential to control both humidity and temperature. Installing a dehumidifier and using air conditioning can help maintain optimal levels. For long periods of absence, consider installing a programmable thermostat that keeps the temperature steady even when no one is home. Many modern thermostats come with a vacation mode to make this easy.

Some additional modern options to explore include inverter air conditioners and high-velocity, small-duct air conditioning systems that efficiently regulate both temperature and humidity.

Protecting Hardwood Floors from Sunlight Damage

Bright sunlight can cause hardwood floors to fade over time. This is particularly true in vacation homes where large windows or glass sliding doors let in direct sunlight. To prevent this, make sure to close drapes, blinds, or curtains when you’re away. This will shield the floors from prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to uneven fading and discoloration.

If your vacation home has large glass doors or windows, consider installing a protective screen to add an extra layer of defense. Moving furniture and rugs around from time to time will also help ensure that the floor color remains even throughout the space.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Hardwood Floors While Away

• Regular cleaning: Before you leave, make sure the floors are thoroughly cleaned to prevent any dirt or debris from scratching the surface while you're gone.
• Check HVAC systems: Ensure your home’s heating and cooling systems are functioning properly to maintain stable indoor conditions.
• Rugs and furniture: Rearranging furniture and rugs occasionally will prevent areas of the floor from fading or discoloring unevenly due to exposure or lack thereof.

In Conclusion

Taking simple steps to control humidity, temperature, and sunlight exposure can go a long way toward preserving the hardwood floors in your vacation home. By maintaining stable environmental conditions and protecting your floors from sun damage, you’ll help ensure they remain beautiful for years to come.

If you have any further questions about how to care for your hardwood floors, Rejuvenation Floor & Design in Portland, Oregon, is here to help. Call us at (503) 989-8997, or stop by our showroom for expert advice and services.