Tips to Protect Hardwood Floors from Humidity
10/19/2020
Nothing compares to hardwood flooring in terms of aesthetic quality. However, looking after your hardwood floor may not be the easiest of tasks, particularly during the humid summer days. Wooden floors are susceptible to moisture problems because of several factors. One of these factors is the interaction between wood and air. Being a hygroscopic material, wood tends to absorb moisture until it reaches equilibrium with the surrounding air. When your wooden floor experiences a change in its moisture content, the result is shrinking, cupping, or crowning.
Recent studies have shown that hardwood and laminate floors run the risk of permanent damage when they are exposed to over 55% humidity. If there is too much of moisture in the air, absorption of this moisture may cause swelling of the floor. This may trigger permanent warping because of the pressure created between the boards. Dangerously high levels of humidity can cause three types of issues for hardwood floors.
Cupping: This problem occurs when the edges of the floorboards create a concave shape by curving up higher compared to the board’s centre, under the influence of moisture. Cupping of hardwood floors may also be caused by water spillage on the wood surface.
Crowning: This is just the opposite of cupping, and creates an inverted U shape by raising the centre of the board. The centre of the floorboard tends to rise around its edges when the edges are sanded down before it can return to its natural state.
Buckling: This is the most severe impact moisture may have on hardwood floors. In these extreme cases, the wood gets separated from the subfloor and rises by several inches in different areas.
Hardwood floors are nothing less than an investment for households. When properly done, these floors can remain in good condition for several generations. If you have hardwood floors in your home, the most appropriate humidity level for you is between 30 and 40 percent.
In order to protect hardwood floors from humidity, try to follow the simple steps mentioned below.
Check the humidity level: Knowing the humidity level in the house is the first step towards protecting hardwood floors from moisture. Use a hydrometer or humidistat to ensure that the humidity level is within 30 to 40 percent. If you can maintain the room’s humidity, your floors will remain in equilibrium, and there will be no damage caused by humidity.
Dehumidifier: Consider using a dehumidifier during the summer to maintain the desired relative humidity. While purchasing your dehumidifier, opt for one with an adjustable thermostat. This will allow you the freedom of setting your own level of relative humidity.
Ventilation and Fans: Proper ventilation helps reduce humidity and increase airflow. To ensure air circulation in the room, run a fan during the summer. While cooking, don’t forget to use your exhaust fan.
Detection of Early Signs of Damage: Early diagnosis is critical to addressing moisture damage of hardwood floors. Therefore, always keep an eye on danger signs such as cupping, buckling, crowning, or cracks between boards.
If you still have doubts about protecting your hardwood floor from moisture damage, please feel free to contact us at Enoak. Our experts will be more than happy to help you out.