Summer in Western Massachusetts brings warm days, green lawns—and a whole lot of humidity. While great for gardens, all that moisture in the air can cause real problems for your floors. At Western Floors Inc., we help local homeowners in towns like Springfield, Hadley, and Holyoke understand how to protect their flooring through every season.

What Humidity Does to Your Floors

When moisture levels rise, some flooring materials naturally expand. In hardwood floors, this often results in cupping or buckling—where the boards lift or become uneven. Laminate can warp if not properly sealed, and even luxury vinyl can show signs of movement if it's exposed to high humidity for extended periods.

We've seen these issues firsthand in older homes around Northampton and Chicopee, where original floors were installed without moisture barriers or modern subfloor prep. Fortunately, today’s materials and techniques make it much easier to protect against humidity damage.

Materials That Handle Humidity Best

Vinyl flooring is highly water-resistant, making it a strong performer during humid months. Engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable than solid wood and resists warping. Tile, of course, handles moisture without any issue and is a go-to for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

In a recent job in South Hadley, our team replaced swollen laminate with waterproof LVP. Not only did it solve the problem, but it gave the home a clean, updated look ready for summer and beyond.

Tips to Protect Your Floors This Summer

• Use a dehumidifier indoors, especially in basements or lower levels

• Maintain consistent indoor temperatures with fans or AC

• Install vapor barriers beneath new floors

• Choose flooring materials rated for humidity and seasonal change

Even if your flooring seems fine now, consistent exposure to humidity can lead to long-term issues. Planning ahead means avoiding costly repairs later.

If you're unsure how your floors are holding up in the summer weather, our team is happy to take a look and offer expert recommendations.

Serving homes across Western Massachusetts, we bring practical solutions and local experience to every project. Let’s make sure your floors are ready for the season ahead.