Humidity is one of the most common and most overlooked threats to your flooring. Whether you’re battling muggy summer air in Conway or damp fall weather in Little Rock, changes in humidity levels can wreak havoc on your hardwood, carpet, vinyl, or laminate floors.

At The Carpet Center, we know Arkansas homes face fluctuating moisture levels all year. That’s why it’s essential to understand how humidity impacts your floors and what you can do to protect them. In this guide, we’ll share practical, homeowner-friendly tips to help safeguard your investment against the damaging effects of humidity.

Why Humidity Is a Problem for Your Floors

When humidity is high, moisture from the air seeps into your flooring and subfloors, causing expansion, warping, or mold. When humidity is low, it can dry out wood floors, leading to shrinkage or cracking. Neither extreme is good.

Here’s how common flooring types react to humidity:

• Hardwood: Absorbs moisture and expands, potentially causing buckling. 
• Laminate: The core materials can swell if humidity gets underneath. 
• Vinyl: While more moisture-resistant, poor installation can allow humidity to cause peeling or warping. 
• Carpet: Traps moisture in the fibers and padding, which may lead to odors or mold. 

By actively managing your home’s humidity, you extend the life of your flooring and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Maintain Ideal Humidity Levels

The sweet spot for indoor humidity is between 35% and 55%. Staying within this range helps prevent your flooring from reacting to extreme changes in moisture.

Tips to maintain consistent humidity:

• Run a dehumidifier in the summer or during rainy seasons 
• Use a humidifier during the winter if indoor air is too dry 
• Install a smart thermostat with a humidity monitor 
• Keep your HVAC system maintained to manage indoor air balance 

These small habits can make a major difference in preventing seasonal humidity problems.

Choose Humidity-Resistant Flooring Materials

If you’re remodeling or installing new flooring, consider materials that are less affected by humidity.

Top choices for Arkansas homes include:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Waterproof and resistant to humidity changes 
• Engineered Hardwood: Designed to withstand moisture better than solid wood 
• Porcelain or Ceramic Tile: Impervious to moisture with sealed grout 
• Low-pile, synthetic carpet: Traps less moisture and dries faster than traditional carpets 

These materials are excellent choices if your home is prone to seasonal humidity swings or has areas with less ventilation, such as basements or mudrooms.

Clean and Dry Spills Quickly

Even the most durable flooring can become damaged if water is left sitting too long. Humidity combined with spills is a fast track to trouble.

Here’s what to do:

• Wipe spills immediately using absorbent towels 
• Avoid steam mops unless your flooring type allows it 
• Use dry or slightly damp microfiber mops for regular cleaning 
• Clean under rugs or mats regularly to avoid hidden moisture 

Managing surface moisture is key to preventing humidity from seeping deeper.

Ventilate Moisture-Prone Areas

Poor ventilation is a major contributor to indoor humidity problems. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are particularly vulnerable.

How to improve airflow:

• Turn on exhaust fans when cooking or showering 
• Crack windows open on mild days 
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air 
• Keep closet doors ajar in humid areas 

The more air circulation you have, the less likely moisture will build up and cause damage to your floors.

Add a Moisture Barrier When Installing New Floors

If you’re having new floors installed, ask your flooring provider about including a moisture barrier. This simple upgrade can make a huge difference in how your flooring holds up over time—especially in homes where humidity is a known issue.

Moisture barriers:

• Protect hardwood, laminate, or vinyl from ground moisture 
• Help maintain temperature and air quality indoors 
• Add longevity to your flooring investment 

At The Carpet Center, our expert installers can help you choose the right barrier based on your subfloor and flooring type.

Keep Your Floors Safe All Year with Help from The Carpet Center

Humidity may be part of Arkansas living, but it doesn’t have to ruin your floors. With the right materials, cleaning habits, and installation techniques, you can prevent damage and maintain your home’s beauty and value year-round.

At The Carpet Center, we help families in Conway, Little Rock, Searcy, and surrounding areas select flooring that can stand up to the challenge of seasonal humidity. Whether you’re upgrading a single room or replacing floors throughout your home, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Call us today at (501) 327-0924 or stop by our showroom to explore durable, humidity-smart flooring options for every room in your home.