Purchasing New Flooring in California’s Climate
There are many diverse climates within our gorgeous coastal state, often within close proximity to each other. Maybe you love the dreamy oceanic climate found in the northern regions of California with moderate temperatures and consistent temperatures throughout the year. Many prefer the eastern deserts with hot summers and cold winters, much like the continental climate in the inland areas of northern California.
We believe of course, there is nowhere better in the Golden state than our Southern California location! You will experience a Mediterranean climate along the coast with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. If you cherish sunny days, you will love the amount of sunshine throughout the year! No matter where you call home in California, there are several key considerations when selecting floors for the best long-term performance. Here are some of our tips for purchasing new flooring in California’s climate:
Flooring for California’s Moisture Levels
In California’s coastal areas, it pays to have floors that can handle moisture and be prepared for potential water damage. You will also want to choose new flooring that can withstand humidity and temperature fluctuations. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone, waterproof vinyl, and waterproof laminate are excellent flooring choices for California home and business owners. We certainly recommend flooring that has a better than average level of moisture resistance, such as choosing engineered hardwood over natural wood that will expand, contract, and be more susceptible to moisture damage.
Flooring for Fire Safety in California Homes
In the most fire-prone areas of California, fire-resistant flooring options are always worth considering. The most fire-resistant flooring materials include ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone like granite and marble, and even concrete floors. However, “fire-resistant” does not mean “fireproof”, and the most fire-resistant materials like tile and stone can be damaged in a severe fire. Ultimately, the overall fire safety of a home depends on factors such as building codes, fire alarms, and proper fire escape routes.
Best Floors that Resist Earthquakes
Flooring materials that can best withstand minor seismic activity need to be both flexible and durable. Materials that can flex with the movement during an earthquake are less likely to crack or break, and stronger materials are better suited for the stresses of shaking. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl, and engineered hardwood will generally perform better in seismic zones than other flooring options. Since no flooring type is completely “earthquake-proof” within severe shifting, proper installation methods become even more essential for your surfaces to be securely attached to the subfloor to minimize movement.
Sustainable Flooring Options for California Homes
As a leader in green building practices, California building codes promote the use of sustainable materials and the state remains a strong market for sustainable construction. For those homeowners looking for recycled materials to divert waste from landfills and reduce carbon footprints, we carry sustainable flooring options in every showroom! Our eco-friendly flooring products are verified for recycled content and Low-VOC emissions, and we also have products with the most respected certifications and labels including GreenGuard, FloorScore, LEED, and Forest Stewardship Council.
When you are ready to begin your flooring shopping journey, make sure to contact our Flooring 101 experts or visit one of our Flooring 101 showrooms with your questions and ideas. There is no retailer more qualified to help advise your California flooring considerations. After all, we believe it matters where you buy flooring!
