The number one cause of floor surface problems is environmental. Issues regarding quality of the air, temperature, humidity, and static electricity are usually not considered at first. If you can contain and control the environment, you will eliminate some problems altogether and reduce maintenance by as much as a half.
Humidity and temperature are two key factors in keeping your floor safe and clean. The warmer the room gets, the softer the (non-wood) floor surface becomes. The darker the color of the floor, the more heat is absorbed and retained. Non-wood floor surfaces can get so soft that heel impressions can become permanent. The floor may also become more vulnerable to cuts, abrasions and other damage.
If your floor has been semi-permanently installed and gets much warmer than when it was laid, it will probably expand, bubble up, create waves, and have to be reset. On the other hand, if the floor gets cold, it contracts, gets harder and less flexible, increasing the possibility of cracking and fracturing. Temperature changes of 20 or more degrees can have a major impact on the viability of the floor surface. Temperature change comes about because of sunlight through windows/skylights, wind penetration at doors and windows, slabs and ceilings that are not insulated, heat given off by dancers, and erratic thermostat settings.
Wood subfloors and surfaces especially are vulnerable to the effects of temperature and moisture or high humidity. Wood can cup, warp and swell, resulting in excess wear and splintering. It also creates an environment where mold can develop. Most conditions that cause this kind of deterioration can be reversed, and the floor can be salvaged if addressed sooner rather than later. Call Stagestep Technical Support for assistance.
