The Seasonal Guide to Flooring Maintenance in the South

Maintaining a beautiful home in the South requires a bit of local know-how. Between the heavy pollen of a Georgia spring, the oppressive humidity of an August afternoon, and the unpredictable dampness of a North Georgia winter, our floors are constantly under siege from the elements. At Carpets of Dalton, we don’t just want to be your Flooring Company for the day of the sale; we want to be your partners in keeping your home beautiful for a lifetime.

The biggest challenge for Georgia homeowners is humidity. Excess moisture in the air can cause certain materials to expand and contract, leading to buckles or gaps. This is one of the many reasons our Flooring Experts highly recommend Vinyl Flooring for Southern homes. Because vinyl is synthetic and waterproof, it is remarkably stable even when the humidity spikes. Laminate Flooring has also made great strides in this area; many of our high-end laminates feature moisture-resistant cores that prevent the “peaking” at the seams often seen in older products. However, even with the best products, keeping your home’s HVAC system running consistently is the best way to protect your investment.

Then there is the issue of “tracking.” In communities from Calhoun to Adairsville, we deal with the infamous Georgia red clay. This clay is incredibly fine and abrasive; if left on your floors, it acts like sandpaper, slowly dulling the finish of your beautiful laminate or vinyl. To combat this, we recommend a “two-mat” system: one heavy-duty bristle mat outside your doors to knock off the big chunks, and a softer microfiber mat inside to catch the fine dust.

For routine cleaning, less is usually more. For both Vinyl Flooring and Laminate Flooring, you should avoid steam mops, which can force moisture into the joints. Instead, use a simple damp microfiber mop and a manufacturer-approved cleaner. Regular dust-mopping is the single most important thing you can do to prevent micro-scratches.

At Carpets of Dalton, we treat every customer like part of the family. Brian and Amy Peeples are often in the showroom ready to share their personal tips on how they keep their own floors looking pristine. We believe that an educated homeowner is a happy homeowner, and we are always available to answer your questions about the best care practices for our unique climate.

Is your flooring ready for the change of seasons? Whether you need a more durable product to handle the Georgia humidity or just some professional advice on maintenance, we are here to help. Visit Carpets of Dalton today and let the Flooring Experts give your home the care it deserves!