How Ceramic Tile Holds in the Winter

Winter does not just bring with it oodles of fluffy white flakes, but once Vancouver Island is well into the thick of winter one can stop trying to prevent the chaos of muddy paw prints and slushy boots. It can also be difficult to accept the wet footprints that are left on the floor and will be until the birds start to chirp again in spring.

One does not have to put up with all the grime, wetness and slush all winter. The right kind of floor can live up to the hard winter ahead and all the frequent cleaning that comes with it. Ceramic tile flooring or porcelain tile offers a homeowner durability that a family through the winter.

Puddles can prove to be a problem for several types of different flooring especially wood or laminate flooring. Water will seep into these kinds of flooring causing them to swell, like a sponge, which can result in them rising from the water damage.

Stone flooring can absorb puddles of water as well. From the absorption of water, all types of flooring whether it be stone, wood, or laminate can become hazardous. When the right kind of tile is picked for a person’s home, puddles will not have to be a concern. 

Some ceramic and porcelain tiles are even rated for outdoor use in freezing temperatures and make great surfaces for outdoor living spaces. Plus, one will not have to worry about their integrity through the harsh Vancouver Island climate.

Ice melting solutions and salt can be tracked inside on the underside of boots, and they can do some severe damage to floors. However, tile does an excellent job of repelling contamination’s from these sources. Tile resists etching from harsh chemicals and is easy to clean up when those substances do make their way in from outside.

Grout is more susceptible to damage from chemicals than tile flooring, but applying a simple tile sealer or wax to the grout can protect the floor all winter and put worries of that newly renovated floor at ease. If one has already applied a sealer or wax and notices that it has taken a beating over the spring, summer, and fall, one can quickly remove it and apply a new coat.

The only drawback of ceramic or porcelain tile is that in the winter it can be a little chilly on the feet. Tile stays cool in the summer which is excellent in the heat but not so welcoming in the chilled winter months. On the other hand, another fact about tile is it retains heat well, so upgrading to heated floors could be a solution.

Do not worry about the winter months ahead if one has tile floors installed; they are made to be durable and reliable!