The Impact of Winter on Hardwood Floors
That creaking you hear in January? Totally normal. It’s your hardwood reacting to Ottawa’s cold, dry air; a true challenge for homeowners looking to keep their floors in top condition year-round. Hardwood may be strong and durable, but it is also a natural material sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Understanding how winter affects hardwood flooring can help you protect your floors and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
How Winter Conditions Affect Hardwood Floors
Dry Indoor Air and Low Humidity
Hardwood flooring does shrink in winter: when the air’s moisture level drops due to heating, hardwood loses water content and slightly contracts. This can lead to visible gaps between planks, creaking noises when walked on, and, in some cases, minor surface cracking. We’ve seen homeowners panic over small gaps in January, but most of the time, they close up by April. Nonetheless, gaps and creaking could be a sign that humidity is too low. So, keep those humidifiers running.
Salt, Snow, and Moisture at Entrances
Tracking in road salt and melting snow can also be damaging to hardwood flooring. If not cleaned up right away, salt can scratch and dull the floor finish, while melting snow can seep between floorboards, causing them to warp and discolour.
Temperature Fluctuations
As a natural material, hardwood can be fussy in winter. Frequent temperature fluctuations cause the boards to expand and contract, potentially leading to minor buckling or raised edges if the floor isn’t properly acclimated or maintained. Site-finished hardwood (sealed after installation) can resist moisture fluctuations slightly better than prefinished boards; however, you should aim to maintain consistent indoor conditions nonetheless.
Preventing Winter Damage
Maintain Indoor Humidity
To prevent hardwood boards from shrinking and separating, maintain indoor humidity between 35% and 55%. If you notice gaps forming or hardwood floors creaking more in winter, it’s a sign the humidity has dropped too low. A small hygrometer will help you monitor conditions accurately, while a portable humidifier or a whole-home system can help you achieve the recommended humidity level.
Control Temperature and Airflow
When it comes to caring for hardwood floors in winter, consistency is key. Wood expands with heat and contracts with cold, meaning large fluctuations in indoor temperature can stress the wood fibres. Maintain a consistent temperature setting and avoid directing heating vents or space heaters toward the floor.
Protect High-Traffic and Entry Areas
Set up durable mats or boot trays at every exterior door to trap snow and salt before it reaches your flooring. When you have guests, don’t forget to ask them to remove their footwear inside. Regularly clean these areas with a vacuum or a soft, damp (not wet) mop and a pH-neutral cleaner made for hardwood.
Schedule Floor Maintenance
Routine hardwood upkeep is one of the best investments you can make. Conducting a professional cleaning, inspection, or even light recoating before winter begins adds a protective layer that resists seasonal wear and tear. In the spring, consider professional cleaning and polishing to get rid of any salt residue and restore your floor’s shine.
Long-Term Benefits of Proper Care
Hardwood flooring that’s cared for season after season doesn’t just look better. It lasts significantly longer. Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity, and keeping surfaces clean, regardless of the season, protects your flooring from structural damage. Over the years, these small preventive measures will preserve your floor’s beauty and long-term value, helping you avoid costly repairs.
How Rome Flooring Can Help
With over 40 years of experience serving Ottawa homeowners, Rome Flooring understands how to protect hardwood floors, even through the toughest winters, whether it requires refinishing, repair, or ongoing maintenance. Contact us today to prepare your hardwood floors for the Ottawa winter and keep them looking their best for many seasons to come.