Laminate Flooring during Winter: How to Keep It Warm in Cold Weather?

As the Quebec winter spreads its white mantle across our landscapes, it also transforms our homes into sanctuaries where warmth and comfort become priorities. The floating floor, also known as laminate, is a popular choice for many households.

But with the arrival of cold temperatures, how does this type of flooring react, and how can we optimize its comfort and durability? Follow our advice for a warm and stylish interior, even in the heart of the Quebec winter.

What is laminate flooring?

Before diving into the subtleties of winter maintenance for your floor, it's important to understand the very nature of laminate. 

Contrary to what one might think, this type of covering does not contain real wood. It is, in fact, an imitation wood printed on a medium or high-density fibreboard (MDF or HDF) that faithfully reproduces the look of natural wood. A notable advantage is that it never requires sanding, which distinguishes it from traditional wooden floors.

Its ease of installation is a significant asset: without nails or glue, the planks fit into each other for a firm and stable hold. This makes it an economical and practical option, particularly suited for those who wish to DIY their project themselves.

Acclimatization: The Key to Stability

Before proceeding with the installation, it is crucial to allow the flooring to acclimate  to the environment of your home. This step harmonizes the moisture content of the planks with that of your interior, minimizing the risks of contraction and expansion that could occur after installation.

A period of 48 hours is recommended for the laminate to adjust to the living conditions of your home.

Professional Installation: A Fit for Temperature Variations

This type of floor installation requires an understanding of the material's reactions to temperature changes. Indeed, an increase in temperature leads to the expansion of the laminate, while a decrease in temperature causes it to contract.

This is why it is recommended to always leave about a 1/4" space around the perimeter of the room during installation to allow the floor to adapt without constraint to these variations.

A qualified professional will take these essential elements into account to prevent problems such as lifting or separation of the planks. This phenomena  can manifest when the flooring does not have enough space to expand or contract adequately.

If separations or deformations occur, it is crucial to intervene quickly. Adjusting the expansion space, often by removing or adding pieces of slats at the ends, can remedy these problems and preserve the quality of your installation.

How to Keep Laminate Floors Warm in Winter

In the heart of the cold Quebec season, laminate flooring can feel less inviting under your feet. Fortunately, there are simple and effective solutions to improve the comfort of your interior.

Underlay and Subfloor: A Warm Foundation

A first option to counter the coolness of laminate flooring is the installation of a quality underlay. It's important to note that we are not talking about paint or a liquid coating, but rather a solid membrane often sold in rolls that is deployed under the laminate floor.

This layer acts as a thermal barrier, retaining heat and providing acoustic insulation. It is the foundation of a comfortable floor and contributes to a warm feeling under your feet  while preventing heat loss.

The difference is particularly noticeable when the laminate is laid on a concrete base, a material known for its ability to retain cold and transmit it. Concrete can also promote a more humid atmosphere, which is not ideal for laminate.

In cold and humid climates like Quebec's, the addition of an elevated false floor between the laminate and the concrete slab is recommended. This insulates further against moisture and creates a perfectly flat base for your covering. A crucial step in blocking rising dampness and protecting your investment is the installation of a vapor barrier under the false floor.

On a wooden subfloor, the harmony with laminate is optimal. Traditional materials like plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) provide a solid and stable base for installation.

Rugs: An Immediate Response to Cold

In addition to the underlay, adding rugs at strategic points in the home, such as the edge of the bed or in front of the sofa, offers a quick and aesthetic solution for immediate warmth.

Rugs not only provide thermal comfort but also a decorative touch that personalizes your space.

Heated Floating Floor: Uniform Heat Under Your Feet

For those who want to go further in the search for comfort, the installation of an underfloor heating system represents the ultimate solution.

According to Warmup, installing an underfloor heating system under a laminate floor is entirely feasible provided that the thickness of the slats does not exceed 18 mm and that the surface temperature remains below 27°C.

To learn more, read our article on the best flooring for radiant heat in Quebec.

By adopting these methods, you can significantly increase the surface temperature of your laminate floors, making them pleasant even in the depths of winter.

Winter Maintenance: Preventing Water Infiltration

During the winter months, vigilance is essential to protect your laminate flooring from the harmful effects of water and moisture. It is crucial to avoid excess standing water, which, if it seeps in, could damage the subfloor.

An effective preventative measure is to place waterproof mats at entrances, thus preventing snow and ice stuck on boots from melting and making their way between the floor grooves.

If water does infiltrate, it is imperative to act quickly to mop up and dry the affected area. Allowing water to accumulate can lead to more severe damage, such as swelling of the slats and the formation of mold underneath.

In cases where water has stagnated for an extended period, it may be necessary to remove the affected slats to allow the subfloor to dry completely. This intervention can prevent structural damage and maintain the integrity of your floor covering.

For detailed advice on maintaining and enhancing the shine of your laminate flooring, consult our guide on the most effective techniques.

Conclusion

Laminate flooring is an elegant and economical option to face the winter without sacrificing the style and comfort of your interior. By following our recommendations and opting for the services of Deco Surfaces, you ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your living space.

For personalized advice or to discover our flooring options, we invite you to explore our services or request a free consultation.