Flooring You’ll Be Grateful for This Winter
Are you currently trying to decide what type of flooring to place in your home? There are many factors to consider that extend well beyond aesthetics. For example, you will want to think about how much of a difference the flooring that you select will make when it comes to locking in warmth within the interior of your home during wintertime, ultimately keeping you snug and saving you money on your heating bills. Below is a list of five different types of flooring that you’ll be thankful for when temperatures start to plummet.
Carpet
It comes as no surprise that carpet is top of the list. Carpet acts as a natural insulator and is the ultimate go-to for anyone whose main goal is to keep their living space warmer throughout the colder months. Just remember that not all carpets were created equal in terms of the added warmth that they are able to provide. The thicker the threads the better. A wool carpet underlay also helps to enhance that cosy carpet feeling underfoot.
Cork
Cork is the second most popular type of flooring for braving the winter chill. This is due to the fact that cork is filled with small air pockets that prevent warm air from escaping. The only issue is that cork flooring is much less resilient than many other options out there and isn’t suited to areas in the home that are exposed to heavy foot traffic.
Engineered hardwood flooring
Hardwood flooring is surprisingly winter-friendly. However, it is recommended that you opt for engineered hardwood as opposed to solid hardwood. The latter is likely to shrink when it is cold and expand when it heats up again, ultimately enhancing the risk of warping and cupping. Engineered hardwood floors are much more stable and are sure to last longer. Having said that, both promise similar levels of warmth.
Vinyl flooring
You will need to give it a bit of a boost, but with the right underlay, vinyl flooring can be a great winter companion. Experts recommend installing a padded underlay made out of naturally insulating materials, such as cork or foam. Vinyl flooring is quite thin, so this padding is certain to make all the difference. Vinyl is a great option to consider placing in rooms of the home where carpet or hardwood flooring simply isn’t viable, like your kitchen and bathroom. You will still be able to enjoy maximum warmth throughout your home, but won’t have to worry about damage caused to the floors by humidity and spills – vinyl flooring is waterproof and easy to clean!
Rubber flooring
This naturally insulating flooring is a top choice for keeping your garage cosy. It’s weatherproof and acts as a barrier on top of the icy concrete. It is also rather effortless to maintain and comes with impressive longevity.
When choosing the right flooring for your home, it is always worthwhile to consult with flooring experts for advice and guidance. Remember, you don’t have to settle on just one variant. Often, a combination of two or more is a much better idea, especially when looking for floor solutions for your entire household.