Caring for Your Floors in Utah’s Dry Climate: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

December 26, 2025

In Northern Utah, we love our distinct seasons—from the powder days in the mountains to the high-desert heat of mid-summer. However, these extreme temperature swings and our notoriously low humidity can be tough on your home.

While you might be focusing on your skin or your lawn during a dry spell, your floors are also reacting to the environment. At Buckway’s Flooring & Design, we’ve spent over 30 years helping Riverdale families navigate the unique challenges of the Wasatch Front climate.

Here is how to keep your investment looking beautiful despite the Utah elements.

The Secret to Longevity: The “Dallas” Rule for Acclimation

If you’ve ever chatted with our lead specialist, Dallas Buckway Jr., you know he doesn’t cut corners—especially when it comes to installation. Because Utah’s air is so dry, flooring materials (particularly laminate and hardwood) need time to adjust to the specific humidity levels inside your home.

Dallas insists on letting your new flooring sit in the room where it will be installed for at least 48–72 hours before the first plank is laid. This process, called acclimation, prevents the material from expanding or shrinking excessively after installation. Skipping this step in a climate like ours is a recipe for peaking, gapping, or buckling.

Gentle Cleaning: Protect Your Wear Layer

Utah homes tend to collect a lot of dust and “red road” grit. When it comes time to clean, the temptation is to reach for the strongest chemicals available. Don’t do it!

Harsh chemicals and steam mops can actually strip or dull the wear layer of your vinyl or laminate over time. To keep your floors pristine, we recommend:

  • Microfiber Mops: Use a dry microfiber mop daily to remove abrasive dust.

  • pH-Neutral Cleaners: Stick to cleaners specifically formulated for your floor type.

  • Less is More: Avoid “mop and shine” products that leave a waxy buildup, which eventually traps more dirt in our dry environment.

Sun Protection: Beating the High-Altitude UV Rays

Being at a higher elevation means we are closer to the sun, and those UV rays are powerful. Even the most durable luxury vinyl planks can suffer from fading or “sunbleaching” if exposed to direct, intense sunlight day after day.

To protect your beautiful new floors, consider these window treatment tips:

  • Use Sheer Curtains: These allow light in while diffusing the harshest UV rays.

  • Strategic Blinds: Angle your blinds upward during the peak afternoon sun to reflect light toward the ceiling rather than the floor.

  • UV Window Film: A great “invisible” option for large picture windows that preserves your view while protecting your interior.

Start Your Project with Experts Who Know Utah

At Buckway’s Flooring & Design, we aren’t just selling you a product; we’re providing three generations of expertise. Whether you’re worried about humidity or want the most durable surface for a busy household, our family is here to guide you.

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