There are certain areas of the home that really do have to withstand an awful lot – walls, work surfaces and, perhaps most of all, flooring.
On a daily basis, this is the surface we trample over, plonk stuff down on top of and allow our four-legged friends to lie on and shake all over – no wonder it can start to look tired and worn out quicker than other areas of the house.
Whether you are just in the process of installing new flooring and are keen not to have to repeat the task any time soon, or are wondering why your existing floors are looking scruffy before their time, we're here to reveal the top seven causes of damage to help you deal with the issue.
1. Temperature fluctuations
The reason this one is top of the list is because wildly fluctuating temperatures are becoming a real issue here in the UK and can cause all kinds of problems around the home – from windows and doors that stick in their frames to issues with flooring.
David Turner, head of product at Leader Online, explains how sudden temperature changes can affect wooden flooring in particular. "Natural wood flooring can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity, which may cause the boards to expand and contract over time."
While you can try your best to keep heat levels steady within your home by using your central heating system wisely and taking steps to keep your house cool in the summer, much of this damage can be navigated by proper installation – namely by leaving expansion gaps.
Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, explains the importance of this. "Expansion gaps are an easily overlooked detail. Wood naturally moves with changes in humidity, so without a proper gap around the room's perimeter, the floor can press against the walls and buckle. It's a small step that can prevent a big problem."
Richard Skeoch, company director at Hyperion Tiles, points out that it isn't just wooden flooring that can suffer either. "Cracks in tiles or grout can also occur when expansion and movement are not properly accounted for. Movement joints are an important part of a successful installation, particularly in larger rooms or spaces exposed to significant temperature changes."
If you are looking for an alternative to tiles or timber, LVT flooring can be a brilliant choice that withstands temperature changes really well, as Neel Bradham, CEO of flooring brand Parador, explains. "Vinyl flooring is an excellent option for homes that experience significant temperature fluctuations, as it offers far greater dimensional stability than many natural flooring materials. Quality vinyl flooring is designed to remain stable, helping to maintain a smooth and consistent surface even during periods of extreme weather."
David Turner, Head of Product at Leader Online, has vast knowledge of doors, floors, tiles, worktops and panelling – based on his 15 years of experience in the homes and interiors industry.
Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol with Ian becoming the Managing Director in 2012. They have been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
With more than three decades of experience in the tile and flooring industry, Richard has developed an expert eye for how tiles can transform a space. As Director, he personally curates distinctive brands and collections to bring to the company's portfolio. Richard is also on hand to offer his expertise to homeowners, interior designers and house builders, whether they need help selecting colour and pattern or guidance on material, scale and practical considerations.
Neel Bradham is the CEO of Parador, a leading global flooring company since 1977. The brand redefines standards for the foundation of a beautiful room, changing perceptions about engineered wood, laminate, and vinyl floorings.
2. Moisture levels
Excess moisture in the air and changes in humidity can also wreak havoc on your flooring.
"Moisture is one of the biggest causes of flooring damage," says David Turner. "Kitchens and hallways, in particular, are more likely to see spills, dirt and constant use, so choosing a durable, moisture-resistant option, such as LVT or porcelain tiles, can help prevent problems."
Humidity can also be an issue when it comes to installation – timber flooring, even engineered wooden flooring, shouldn't be laid until moisture levels have been checked, as Ian Tomlinson explains. "Skipping moisture checks is particularly risky as hidden dampness in the subfloor can lead to swelling, warping or cupping during acclimatisation or even months later. A good installer will always test and manage moisture levels before starting work."
Investing in the best dehumidifier you can lay your hands on is a great way to keep humidity levels in your home stable.
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With its built-in humidity sensor, this dehumidifier allows you to set your desired humidity levels and adjusts accordingly. It has a large water tank, is quiet to run, features a laundry drying mode and can be set on a timer too.
Along with being able to collect up to 20 litres of water a day, despite its compact size, this model can also be controlled by your smartphone by using the DUUX app – plus it is praised for its quiet operation.
Ideal for larger spaces, this dehumidifier not only keeps moisture and humidity levels stable, but it can also purify the air thanks to the HEPA filter included. Running costs are also pleasingly low.
3. Exposure to sunlight
Another problem that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK, with summers getting sunnier than ever, is the damage that exposure to UV rays can cause to homes, from furniture to flooring.
"Blinds, curtains or UV filtering window treatments can help reduce direct sunlight during the brightest parts of the day," advises Adam Robertson, MD of Urbane Living, who goes on to point out that certain types of flooring are more susceptible to this kind of damage than others.
"Mid to darker shades of wood may fade slightly with prolonged UV exposure, while lighter tones can become deeper in colour. The quality of the finish also plays an important role in protecting flooring from the effects of sunlight," adds Adam. "A high quality finish helps slow the rate of colour change and provides greater long term durability."
In addition to protecting your floors with your window treatments, consider fitting solar control window film or, if specifying new windows, choose solar control glass that will filter out UV rays.
This film is really simple to install yet can block 90% of infrared and UV rays, keeping your fittings and furnishings protected, even during prolonged sunny spells.
Adam Robertson is the co-founder and managing director of Urbane Living, a specialist flooring company recognised for its expertise in parquet, bespoke carpets and runners. With a background in design and a strong eye for detail, Adam is passionate about all things related to quality timber, from floorboards to wall panels.
4. Poor cleaning techniques
How often and the way in which you clean your floors can have a massive effect on their longevity and can even help prevent damage. For example, the correct process of cleaning LVT avoids the use of any harsh chemicals.
"While tiled floors are relatively easy to maintain, using the wrong cleaning products can affect grout and some tile finishes over time," warns Richard Skeoch. "Avoid abrasive cleaners and always follow the manufacturer's care recommendations to help preserve the appearance and performance of your flooring for years to come."
David Turner points out that it isn't just using the wrong products that can cause damage – he says that simply neglecting to clean them often enough could lead to issues too.
"A lot of flooring damage comes down to day-to-day maintenance. Dirt and grit can act like sandpaper underfoot, gradually wearing away the surface, especially in busy parts of the home. A simple routine of regular sweeping, wiping up spills quickly, and using the right cleaner for your flooring can make a real difference to how well it lasts."
5. Heavy furniture and footfall
While we're not saying you should avoid walking on your floor or placing any furniture on it, there are a few precautions you can take to minimise damage caused by both. This one applies to all kinds of flooring, including most types of carpets.
"Heavy furniture is a common cause of damage, especially when it’s dragged across the floor instead of lifted," picks up David Turner. "This can leave scratches on hard flooring, dents in softer materials, such as vinyl, or bare patches on carpet that are difficult to repair. It’s worth fitting felt pads to the feet of sofas, tables and chairs, as they’re an inexpensive way to protect the floor and make furniture much easier to move when needed."
Along with using pads or rugs underneath furniture, such as these Furniture Pad Floor Protectors from Amazon, it is worthwhile thinking about rotating furniture. Additionally, you need to choose the right flooring for the room it is being fitted in.
"It's worth choosing flooring that's built to handle regular use in high-traffic areas," says David Turner. "Hard-wearing materials like LVT and porcelain tiles are a good choice for high-traffic spaces."
6. Using your underfloor heating wrong
There are so many reasons to love underfloor heating – not least that it frees up wall space and delivers a comfortable, consistent heat. While most types of flooring are compatible with UFH, you need to consider how you are using it if you want to avoid it doing more harm than good.
When it comes to timber flooring, there are few factors to bear in mind, according to Adam Robertson. "Engineered flooring (as opposed to solid) is usually the preferred timber option for use with underfloor heating. Its layered construction helps reduce movement caused by changes in temperature, but product specification is important. Always choose boards that are approved for use with underfloor heating and ensure the system is commissioned correctly, with gradual temperature changes. The floor temperature should not exceed 27°C, and it's generally better to maintain a consistent low temperature rather than making sudden adjustments, as this helps reduce stress on the timber while providing an excellent combination of comfort and style."
Care also needs to be taken with tiled floors, as Richard Skeoch explains. "Underfloor heating works particularly well with tiled flooring because porcelain tiles conduct heat efficiently, but the system must be installed and commissioned correctly. Sudden changes in temperature can place stress on the tiled surface, so the heating should be increased gradually after installation and appropriate flexible adhesives and grouts should be used to allow for natural movement."
If you have chosen to lay LVT, do bear in mind that the maximum temperature thresholds tend to be lower than for timber and some glue-down products might not be compatible – check with your supplier.
7. Poor installation methods
Finally, all the experts we spoke to agreed that one of the biggest flooring mistakes, and the main cause of floor damage is poor installation.
"One of the biggest mistakes we see is neglecting proper subfloor preparation. If the base isn't clean, dry and level, it can compromise both the look and longevity of the floor," warns Ian Tomlinson. "Choosing the wrong installation method is another pitfall. Nail-down, glue-down and floating-floors all have different requirements and benefits, and using the wrong approach can lead to an uneven finish or a floor that doesn't perform well. For intricate designs or specialist products, a professional fitter is worth every penny.
"Another common error is failing to acclimatise boards before installation," adds Ian. "Timber is a natural material and needs time to adjust to the room's environment. If you lay it straight away, the boards may expand or contract afterwards, causing gaps or buckling. For kiln dried boards, we recommend 10 to 14 days, while reclaimed timber may require up to four weeks. Regular moisture checks using a hygrometer and protimeter will confirm when the boards have reached their equilibrium moisture content."
Installation really matters when it comes to tiled floors too says Richard Skeoch. "Like any flooring material, their long term performance depends on choosing the right product and ensuring correct installation. Many issues that appear to be caused by the tile itself are actually the result of problems beneath the surface, such as an uneven subfloor, incorrect adhesive or insufficient preparation before installation."
FAQs
How can you keep your flooring looking good for longer?
Whether you are dealing with kitchen flooring or something soft underfoot for your living room, the cost of new flooring is nothing to be sniffed at meaning you are probably very keen to ensure that yours stays looking its best for as long as possible. Luckily, there are lots of ways of doing this.
"The best way to protect your flooring is to choose the right type of flooring for the room in the first place," says David Turner. "Simple steps such as using doormats, placing felt pads under the legs of heavy furniture to help prevent scratches and dents, and cleaning up spills as soon as they happen can all help reduce unnecessary wear. It’s also important to use cleaning products that are suitable for your specific type of flooring, as using the wrong ones can gradually affect the finish.
"The right underlay matters too – it provides extra support while improving comfort and insulation, helping to absorb the impact of everyday foot traffic," adds David. "It’s also important to choose an underlay that's suitable for your flooring type, as this can make a difference to how well the floor performs over the years."
It is clear that choosing the right products for the area they are being fitted in is key to longevity so make sure you do your research, particularly in very hardwearing rooms – for example, your kitchen flooring ideas need to be chosen with great care if you want them to stand the test of time. Hallways are another area subject to heavy traffic, so take a look at our hallway flooring ideas to help you choose a covering that will offer a longer life.
