Thursday 19 August 2021

HOW MOISTURE LEVELS IN THE AIR AFFECT YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS

Hardwood floors can be affected by changes in humidity. The hardwood floors are first dried before being processed for flooring. However, seasonal changes can affect the flooring. Read on to learn more about these changes with respect to different times of the year and what floor care procedures you can do to prevent humidity issues with your wood floors.

Protecting your hardwood floors from seasonal humidity changes

Winter season

Winter air is dry and lacking humidity. Hardwood flooring can also be heated, and loses moisture. If the humidity levels fall below 40%, this causes thin gaps between planks. This is nothing to be concerned about, as the humidity levels will rise again once the heating has been turned off in the spring.

You can prevent this from happening by placing a humidifier near your furnace to regulate the humidity. A portable humidifier can also be used in rooms with wood floors. You can also use a basic humidity meter to monitor the moisture levels throughout the year.

Summer season

Indoor humidity can reach up to 90% when the air is hot and humid in summer. Wood absorbs moisture from the air and grows quickly (cupping of wood). The wood may have cupped if the boards' edges are higher than the center.

Preventing cupping in hardwood floors is possible by maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40-60%. Keep humidity levels below 65%. It is a good idea to use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during hot, humid summer months to control humidity.

Note: Hardwood floors made from exotic wood species require special attention

If you have an exotic hardwood floor you must ensure indoor humidity levels remain within the 50%-70% range at all times. Additionally, the temperature of the air should be between 65F to 75F.

It is a good idea to have an air conditioner running in the summer and an air humidifier during winter to help maintain these floors. Installing engineered hardwood floors and using digital temperature/moisture meter are also known to be good solutions for avoiding the wooden planks from cupping, crowning, humidity changes, buckling, and cracking.

Bay Area All-Around Hardwood Floor Specialist

Edmonton Floor Sanding is a team of professionals who are experts in hardwood floor installation, repair, and refinishing. Our hardwood floor specialists will gladly assist you with any questions or concerns. Call us at 020 3151 6875. You can also contact us using our online form.