Homeowners with patio doors are being urged to keep them closed during hot weather to prevent long-term damage to their flooring. The summer months change how people use their homes, and some common habits can be detrimental to interiors.
Sunlight and Debris: A Damaging Combination
Stephen Latham, Managing Director at J2 Flooring, explains: “You have more people moving between the garden and house, more debris being carried indoors, more sunlight hitting the floor, and more cleaning because everything suddenly looks dusty in bright weather. A lot of the issues homeowners notice later in the year actually start during summer, but people rarely connect those habits with flooring damage.”
During the summer, it is tempting to throw open all windows and doors to cool down the home. However, this exposes flooring to higher levels of UV light, heat, pollen, and outdoor debris. Latham notes that by the end of summer, many homeowners notice uneven coloring near doors and windows. Areas exposed to strong sunlight can fade differently from covered sections, and during heatwaves, floors can expand slightly, leading to lifting edges and movement around joins.
Garden Debris and Sunscreen: Hidden Threats
As people move between the garden and kitchen, patio grit, tiny stones, and rough debris trapped under shoes grind against flooring, wearing down protective finishes and creating dull traffic paths. Latham emphasizes the importance of removing shoes before entering the house to prevent scratching and damage. Dried grass and garden debris can be even more abrasive than mud, as grass clippings carry tiny particles of soil and grit that scratch the protective surface layer.
Another common summer issue is sunscreen. Latham warns: “Most people would never think SPF could affect their flooring. But sunscreen contains oils that transfer very easily from skin onto the floor, especially during hot weather.” This leaves greasy patches that attract dust and dirt, making floors look permanently marked.
Simple Solutions to Protect Your Floors
- Keep patio doors closed during peak sunlight hours to reduce UV exposure.
- Remove shoes before entering the house to avoid tracking in debris.
- Place doormats both outside and inside entryways to catch grit and dirt.
- Clean floors regularly with appropriate products to remove sunscreen residues.
- Use blinds or curtains to shield flooring from direct sunlight.
By adopting these habits, homeowners can preserve the appearance and longevity of their flooring throughout the summer and beyond.
