Hardwood Floors in Summer: What Illinois Homeowners Need to Know
Hardwood floors in summer can behave very differently than they do in cooler months, especially in climates like Illinois, where hot, humid conditions are common. Chicagoland homeowners often notice their wood floors reacting in unexpected ways, such as cupping, warping, or squeaking.
This occurs because hardwood is a natural, porous material that expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and moisture in the air. While hardwood remains a popular flooring choice, understanding how it responds to summer weather can help protect your investment.
How Summer Heat and Humidity Affect Hardwood Flooring
During the summer, higher humidity levels cause hardwood planks to absorb moisture from the air. As moisture increases, the wood begins to expand, especially across the width of each board. In older homes or those without consistent humidity control, this can lead to noticeable movement and visible damage.
When the wood swells and there is not enough space between planks to accommodate that expansion, the pressure can cause the boards to push against one another. This often results in cupping, where the edges of a plank are raised higher than the center. In severe cases, boards may buckle and lift away from the subfloor.
These problems are widespread in homes that do not regularly use air conditioning or dehumidifiers. While some effects of humidity can reverse naturally in the fall, repeated seasonal expansion and contraction can lead to permanent damage in both the wood and the finish.
Common Signs of Summer Damage in Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring issues often become more noticeable during the summer months. Chicagoland’s combination of heat and moisture makes it easier for these symptoms to develop, especially in areas with poor ventilation.
Common signs to watch for include:
Cupping or crowning, where planks curve due to uneven moisture distribution
Gaps or separations between boards as they press against each other or shrink back down
Buckling that lifts the floor away from the subfloor
Squeaking or movement that suggests loose nails or friction between expanded boards
Surface discoloration, particularly in areas covered by rugs or furniture that trap moisture
These issues can be subtle at first but worsen over time. Monitoring changes in your flooring throughout the season is a smart way to detect early warning signs and prevent more expensive repairs later.
How to Protect Hardwood Floors During Summer
Managing your home’s interior climate is the best way to prevent summer damage to your hardwood floors. With a few simple adjustments, you can prolong the life of your floors and minimize the risk of warping or cupping.
Here are several tips to keep your hardwood flooring in good condition during Illinois summers:
Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Aim for a range of 30-50%.
Run a dehumidifier regularly, especially in basements or lower levels where air tends to be more stagnant.
Use ceiling fans and consistent air conditioning to control interior temperatures and moisture.
Avoid wet mopping. Instead, use a dry or slightly damp microfiber mop and avoid leaving standing water on the surface.
Use rugs in areas that get a lot of foot traffic or direct sunlight, but choose breathable rug pads and avoid rubber-backed mats.
Keep blinds closed or apply UV-protective window film to reduce sun exposure and heat buildup on the floor.
These preventive measures can help reduce the impact of heat and moisture, giving your floors the best chance to remain stable throughout the season.
Best Flooring Alternatives for Humid Summers in Illinois
If you are renovating or installing new flooring and want the look of wood with better moisture resistance, there are several alternatives worth considering. These options are popular among Illinois homeowners for their durability and summer performance.
Engineered hardwood resembles traditional hardwood but is constructed with a layered plywood base. This design makes it much more stable under shifting humidity conditions, and it is less prone to swelling or shrinking.
Luxury vinyl plank, often referred to as LVP, is another excellent choice. It is waterproof, low-maintenance, and available in styles that closely mimic real wood. LVP is especially useful in kitchens, basements, or homes without central air conditioning or humidity control.
Wood-look porcelain tile is another alternative that offers the beauty of hardwood with complete resistance to moisture and heat. It works well in bathrooms, mudrooms, or sunrooms where humidity tends to be higher year-round.
Some homeowners opt to limit natural hardwood to low-moisture areas of the home, such as bedrooms or formal living rooms, while using more durable materials in other areas of the house.
When to Repair, Refinish, or Replace Hardwood Flooring
Not all summer damage is permanent, but it is essential to know when it's time to take action. In many cases, minor cupping or gapping may resolve naturally as temperatures and humidity levels drop in the fall. However, some damage may require professional attention.
Floors that remain warped or separated after the season changes, show signs of cracking or splitting along the edges, have a peeling or flaking surface finish, display buckling that has not returned to normal, or exhibit discoloration that does not respond to cleaning may need repair or refinishing. In these situations, a professional flooring contractor can determine whether the boards can be sanded and restored or if a full replacement is necessary.
Contact Scharm Floor Covering to Protect Your Hardwood Floors This Summer
Hardwood floors in summer require extra care to stay beautiful and functional, especially in Illinois homes where heat and humidity can be extreme. During the warmer months, Chicagoland homeowners should take proactive steps to prevent common issues like cupping, warping, gapping, and buckling.
Monitoring indoor humidity, utilizing reliable climate control systems, and selecting moisture-resistant flooring options, such as engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank, can all help reduce the risk of seasonal damage. If your hardwood floors are showing signs of stress, a qualified flooring expert can help you determine whether repair, refinishing, or replacement is the right solution.
For expert advice and personalized recommendations, contact Scharm Floor Covering today to schedule your in-home flooring consultation.
