Due to the UAE’s subtropical climate, hot and humid weather prevails during summers. Temperatures often exceed 50 degrees Celsius in such climatic conditions and the high heat also impacts the comfort level indoors. While lowering the thermostat of air-conditioning systems can help overcome this problem, there are also other energy-efficient ways to beat the heat. One example is the type of flooring chosen for a space. Not only can it impact the overall aesthetics of a home but also provide a long-term cooling solution.
Here we’ll explore some readily available flooring options to keep your house cool during summer.
Flooring Options to Keep Your House Cool
Whether renovating, remodelling or building from scratch, install the following flooring options for a desirable cooling effect. We’ll also briefly discuss the pros and cons of each of the listed flooring options to help you decide better.
Porcelain
Porcelain tile consists of feldspar (or crystal powders) and non-porous clay materials, making it highly water-resistant. This quality makes it an excellent choice for warm, humid climates as it does not absorb moisture and offers natural cooling properties.
This cooling tile is particularly good for high-traffic areas because it doesn’t get scratched easily and has a versatile aesthetic. Thanks to modern light-jet printing technology, porcelain can now mimic the look of wood or other natural materials.
Pros of Porcelain Tiles
- Porcelain tile is extremely hard and dense. Its durability helps it resist wear, scratching, chipping, and cracking.
- Porcelain tiles are waterproof and extremely resistant to staining. This is why such type of flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Since their low-maintenance quality, they can be added to different types of living room floor designs.
Cons of Porcelain Tiles
- When it comes to cost, porcelain tile is usually more expensive than other popular flooring materials for homes.
- Porcelain tiles are often less comfortable to walk on due to their hardness, especially when compared to hardwood flooring, natural stone or vinyl tiles.
Marble Flooring
Formed through heat and pressure, marble is a natural metamorphic rock that exhibits a distinctive wavy pattern. It is made of 100% natural stone and excels in conducting heat. This makes it one of the appropriate flooring options to keep your house cool during summer.
Apart from their elegant appearance, marble tiles offer uniqueness, as no two pieces have identical patterns. They are found in light-coloured variations or dark options with light patternings. These variations allow light to reflect off the surface, enhancing the floor’s aesthetics. Here are some other factors you should consider when comparing wood vs marble flooring for your home.
Pros of Marble Flooring
- Marble stone is a 100% natural product, which makes it a sustainable flooring option. Here are some other tips to make your home eco-friendly.
- It is available in so many different colours, both solid and multi-hued patterns. Their attractive appearance can brighten up a room.
Cons of Marble Flooring
- Marble is a porous material and can get damaged from water penetration. However, chemical sealers are typically used for damage control.
- Marble tiles are also susceptible to cracking, breaking and chipping. Installation of floor tiles must be done properly. There shouldn’t be any gaps between the marble and the floor.
Travertine
Travertine is another naturally cooling flooring material. Composed of calcite and other natural minerals, travertine tiles feature distinct swirly patterns. This gives this flooring material an eye-catching appearance. Installing travertine flooring will be a good way to prepare your home for summer.
Travertine is available in a variety of colours, such as red, white, golden, grey, silver, etc. It can make any colour scheme in a home interior. This versatile stone also comes in different textures and designs and mat finishes.
Pros of Travertine
- The non-slip texture of travertine makes it easy to grip and walk on. The material is also quite resilient against extreme temperatures.
- The versatility of travertine tiles makes them a popular choice for homeowners since they can be easily cut and shaped.
Cons of Travertine
- Like in the case of most natural stones, travertine is prone to staining and etching. This is why they are often not recommended for floorings of high-traffic areas.
- They are also very porous, which means they should be appropriately sealed at the time of installation. Otherwise, they could soon start showing signs of wear and tear.
Ceramic Tiles
Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are made of clay. During their production, they are treated with extreme temperatures, resulting in a sturdy and resilient surface. These tiles naturally offer a cooling effect, which makes them one of the best summer flooring options to keep a house cool. Due to their high water resistance, they are commonly installed in bathrooms and kitchens.
Ceramic tiles either come in matte, semi-matte or high-gloss finishes. These options provide flexibility to achieve the desired aesthetic. Moreover, they tend to be more budget-friendly than other similar flooring options. You may also need very few home cleaning tools for tidying up ceramic tiles.
Pros of Ceramic Tiles
- With proper maintenance, ceramic tiles can last for up to 20 years. They are among the most durable types of tiles available on the market.
- Ceramic tiles need no special maintenance treatment. They can be easily maintained by sweeping, vacuuming or mopping if there is any dust, dirt or stains on the tiles.
Cons of Ceramic Tiles
- Ceramic tiles are durable and easier to maintain. That said, the hard surface makes it uncomfortable to stand on the floor for an extended time.
- Ceramic tiles are heavier than regular tiles. Therefore, before installing them on upper stories, it is important to carefully inspect the building’s structural integrity.
Slate Flooring
With natural cooling abilities, slate is another type of flooring to keep your house cool. It is composed of thin sheets of clay, shale and quartz. These characteristics give it a naturally darker colour than other flooring options for homes.
Slate tiles are slip-resistant and a good flooring choice for installation in high-traffic areas. Although It is among the strongest flooring materials it needs to be maintained and sealed regularly to prevent stains.
Pros of Slate Flooring
- Slate is among the strongest natural stones. The flooring material is resistant to scratches, cracks and chips.
- Installing slate is one of the important flooring tips to keep a house cool during summer. Besides, it can enhance the real estate value of your home since it is considered one of the upscale flooring materials.
Cons of Slate Flooring
- Alongside its benefits, an evident drawback of this upscale flooring material is its price tag. It is costlier than many other flooring options.
- As discussed, slate also requires regular maintenance and this can make it a not-so-ideal option for homeowners who plan to have a more functional space.
These were some flooring options to keep your house cool during summer. However, while choosing among them, carefully weigh their pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Whether you are buying an apartment in the UAE or a villa, check for the structural materials used in floorings, roofs, etc. Make sure they are good at reflecting heat, not absorbing it. Furthermore, you can also work on these tips to keep your house cool during summer.
When it comes to maintaining your outdoor space, you can work on these effective gardening tips for hot weather in the UAE.
Keep reading the dubizzle property blogs for more home improvement and decor tips.
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