Hardwood floors are known for their beauty, durability, and value—but they’re also sensitive to seasonal changes, especially during the humid Rhode Island summer. When heat and moisture levels rise, your flooring can expand, contract, or even warp if not properly maintained.
Here’s how summer weather impacts hardwood flooring—and what you can do to protect your investment.
Why Humidity Affects Wood Floors
Wood is a natural material that reacts to changes in temperature and moisture. In summer, indoor humidity levels often rise above 60%, which can lead to:
- Expansion of floorboards
- Cupping or warping (edges of boards curling upward)
- Buckling (floorboards lifting from the subfloor)
- Gaps shrinking too tightly (which may damage seams or finishes)
These issues are especially common in older homes, rooms without climate control, or homes with improper sealing.
Signs of Humidity Damage in Hardwood Floors
Not sure if your floors are being affected by the weather? Look out for:
- Uneven or lifted edges
- Squeaky or spongy floorboards
- Cracks or separations along planks
- A wavy or rippled appearance
The sooner you catch these signs, the more likely it is that you can repair rather than replace.
How to Protect Hardwood Floors During Summer
To maintain healthy floors through the warmer months, D&M Hardwood Flooring recommends the following:
1. Maintain Indoor Humidity Between 35–55%
Use a dehumidifier or run your air conditioning consistently to control moisture levels. Avoid letting your home stay sealed without ventilation in peak summer weeks.
2. Use Area Rugs in High-Humidity Zones
Placing breathable rugs in entryways and near windows can help absorb some of the moisture without trapping it beneath the floorboards.
3. Clean Regularly (But Dry Quickly)
Use a hardwood-safe cleaner to remove dirt, and always dry floors completely. Avoid letting water or cleaning solutions sit for more than a few minutes.
4. Inspect Your Finish
If it’s been years since your floors were refinished, the protective layer may be worn down. Our Hardwood Refinishing Services can restore that protection and improve long-term durability.
What About Decks and Stairs?
Your indoor floors aren’t the only ones that suffer in summer.
- Decks exposed to full sun and rain are especially vulnerable to warping, splintering, and fading.
- Wood staircases often experience extra wear in warm weather due to humidity and increased foot traffic.
Explore our Deck Refinishing and Staircase Services to give those spaces seasonal protection too.
Book a Summer Maintenance Consultation Today
Preventing summer damage is easier—and more affordable—than repairing it later. At D&M Hardwood Flooring, we help homeowners across Rhode Island maintain strong, beautiful wood floors year-round.
Schedule a consultation today through our Contact Page, or browse Our Work to see examples of floors we’ve restored, refinished, and protected.
