Tap Shoes, Water, Sun & Dance Floors
After murderous tap shoes with loose screws tearing up your floor, the next culprit is none other than the sun.
Direct sunshine on your dance floor can wreak havoc on your vinyl surface, creating waves and ripples—much like tossing a brick into a pool. You’ll see these disturbing ripples grow and shrink with the passing sunrays.
Gluing the floor may slow this process, but old Mr. Sun is relentless. The UV rays break down the plasticizers in vinyl—the elements that make it flexible. Without these, your floor becomes brittle and susceptible to cracking. Once cracked, there’s no coming back. The color may fade, but the damage is irreversible.
Next, you might drown your dance floor.
Excess water can damage your subfloor, leading to delamination, swelling, soft spots, and eventually, a crumbling floor. Even glued vinyl can develop bumps, ridges, curls, and bubbles. We’re talking about major flooding here, not regular cleaning. But even small drips, like from an air-conditioner, can cause isolated damage over time.
But the most sinister culprit is the “Black Death”—mould.
Mould thrives in warm, moist spots and can cause serious health problems, including respiratory issues, coughs, and wheezing. These nasty black spots love inviting friends to the party, leading to an infestation you definitely don’t want.
For more about mould, check the CDC’s guidelines here.
Burn Baby Burn
Extreme heat is another killer, although it may be more of a slow torture. Leaving your studio locked up during the hottest months can lead to shrinking, gapping, and rippling, as well as adhesive tapes and glue losing their grip. Your floor might end up with long-term disabilities.
Prevention Tips
To protect your dance floor, channel your inner detective—be it Sherlock, Miss Marple, or Inspector Morse—and investigate for any signs of trouble, such as damp smells, faulty gutters, or leaky plumbing.
Here’s a checklist for protecting your floor:
- Check tap shoes regularly to prevent damage.
- Install curtains, blinds, or UV film to protect from the sun.
- Maintain proper air circulation or run the AC to prevent overheating.
- Avoid excessive water and fix leaks immediately.
Happy Dancing!
Martin
