Moisture and Hardwood Floors
When a once beautiful wood floor all of a sudden shows defects, changes in
wood moisture are most likely the reason. Even small changes in each board can
have a large impact, when hundreds of boards are laid side by side.
Common Causes for Moisture Problems:
- Floor planks were not dry at the time of installation.
- Sub floor is too wet.
- Existing or new concrete slab is too wet.
- Water spills and leaks.
Wood is
a hygroscopic material. This means that when wood is exposed to air, it will
dry or pick up moisture until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and
temperature of the air. Moisture absorption causes wood to swell. Moisture loss
causes wood to shrink. Shrinkage of wood begins at 25-30% moisture content. Swelling
occurs as wood increases in moisture content from 0% to 25-30% moisture
content. Above 25%-30% wood is dimensionally stable.
When homes are
heated in the winter, RH levels can plummet, boards can shrink and spaces
appear between the boards as the wood loses MC. Some of these variations are seasonal and will
close up on their own when the weather (and related RH) changes and moisture
returns back to the air. Monitoring the room’s temperature and RH level,
then taking corrective action, can also minimize seasonal shifts in the wood
floor. As an example, you can add moisture to the air during dry winter
months by installing a humidifier in the furnace.
Dear customers take care of your hardwood floors and they
will last a lifetime .
Visit our showroom at 3100 N Elston to see the entire
collection of Hardwood floors.
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