How to Maintain Laminate Floors in Calgary’s Harsh Winters?
Life in an active home is tough on all flooring. Even the most resilient laminate shows signs of wear from constant foot traffic, spills, and stains. With the proper care habits and proven maintenance tips, you can protect your investment and enjoy beautiful floors in every season.
Calgary is well-known for its bright winter sunshine, lively streets, and stunning natural surroundings, but residents know just how extreme the weather can get from November to March.
With temperatures frequently dipping below −20 °C and occasional blasts of snow and wind, the city’s climate demands extra attention to keeping homes comfortable and protected.
These unique weather patterns—especially the mix of deep freezes and sudden chinook thaws—mean that caring for features like laminate flooring calls for innovative, season-specific strategies that every Calgary homeowner can rely on.
Laminate flooring stands out for its durability and ability to resist everyday traffic, scuffs, and impacts—making it a wise choice for busy homes. However, lasting beauty and performance require more than installation; regular care is essential.
Following expert advice from All Floors & Design is the best way to keep your laminate floors looking stunning, welcoming, and valuable.
Take these steps to extend the life of your laminate floors:
Apply floor protector felt pads to the feet of every piece of furniture to prevent scratches and marks.
Wipe up any spills immediately to stop moisture from seeping in and causing swelling or damage.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust, grit, and debris before it can scratch the surface.
Avoid cleaning with water, vinegar, soap, steam, or powerful household cleaners—these can leave films, streaks, and may dull the finish.
Because laminate has a wood-based core, it’s essential to maintain optimal indoor humidity. Use a flow-through humidifier and aim for humidity levels between 35% and 60% as flooring manufacturers recommend.
Never use steam cleaners, as the heat and moisture can penetrate and damage the floor’s surface.
Pro Advice: Statistics
80% of laminate warping complaints relate to poor moisture or humidity control in the home.
Maintaining humidity between 35% and 60% can increase the lifespan of laminate flooring by up to 50% compared to homes with improper humidity.
Studies show surface gaps and buckling occur in 60% of homes where the humidity falls outside the optimal range for extended periods.
Using humidifiers and dehumidifiers reduces the risk of swollen planks or cracks by up to 70% in extreme climates.
Expert Advice
Use floor protector felt pads for all furniture to maintain laminate floors.
Wipe up spills immediately. Sweep or vacuum frequently to remove dirt and grit.
Never use water, vinegar, soap, steam or household cleaners on laminate. They can leave a film, streaks and footprints.
Laminate flooring needs controlled humidity for lasting performance. Aim for indoor humidity between 35% and 60%; too much moisture can make the planks swell or warp, while too little may cause gaps or cracking. Use a flow-through humidifier and monitor levels—this helps keep your laminate floor looking great year-round.
Wrapping Up
Don’t feel complexity, need consistent care.
Maintaining your laminate floors in Calgary’s challenging climate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With simple, consistent care—like wiping spills promptly, protecting furniture with felt pads, and controlling indoor humidity—you can keep your floors looking beautiful and lasting longer.
These small steps not only preserves the floor’s appearance but also saves money on costly repairs or replacements. Embrace these best practices, and enjoy the warmth, style, and durability that laminate flooring brings to your home all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best indoor humidity for laminate floors?
Aim for a humidity range between 35% and 60% to minimise issues like expansion, contraction, warping, or gapping in laminate planks.
Why does humidity matter for laminate flooring?
Humidity strongly affects the laminate’s wood core. Too much moisture causes planks to swell and warp; too little can result in cracking or gaps between boards.
How can I control humidity at home?
Use humidifiers to add moisture during dry, cold winters and dehumidifiers during humid summers. Monitor levels with a hygrometer and adjust appliances to stay within the recommended range.
Can humidity affect my floor’s warranty?
Yes. Most manufacturers require you to maintain recommended humidity levels (typically 35% to 55%) to keep the warranty valid and prevent premature damage.
