Living Conditions and Your Home’s Flooring
- Published By: District Floor Depot
Flooring adds to the value of your home, especially if it’s appealing and in good condition. While many factors contribute to the wear and tear of your flooring, humidity is one to keep an eye out for.
The Impact of Humidity on Your Flooring
The temperature and moisture levels in your home have a direct impact on wood floors. Warmer air holds more moisture than colder air, which means higher temperatures have higher humidity levels. Wood flooring absorbs and loses moisture depending on the humidity levels in your home’s air. All wood floors are subject to this reaction regardless of the wood material or installation type. Here are a few ways that humidity affects wood floors:
- Buckling: Buckling can occur when humidity levels are excessively high, and wood flooring pulls a few inches away from the subfloor.
- Cracking: Wood flooring can get cracks from the constant expansion and contraction caused by fluctuations in humidity.
- Cupping: A moisture imbalance through the wood’s thickness causes the edges to rise higher than the rest of the boards.
- Crowning: This occurs when the middle of the wooden boards is higher than the edges.
- Gapping: High levels of humidity can cause wood flooring to shrink, creating gaps between the boards.
How to Prevent the Effects of Inside Air on Your Flooring
One of the most effective ways to ensure humidity does not impact your flooring is by consistently keeping the temperature and humidity levels in your home at a specific range. The best humidity range for hardwood floors is between 35 to 55 percent. Here are other measures you can take to protect your flooring:
- Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier reduces the amount of moisture in your home’s air. Choose one that’s adjustable to better control the humidity levels.
- Cleaning: Use products that are specifically for wood and avoid using excess water when cleaning.
- Ventilation: Ventilation increases the airflow in your home. Check your home’s ventilation systems and ensure they are working properly.
- Installation: Proper installation of your wood floors can help reduce the effects of humidity on them.
Contact District Floor Depot for Expert Hardwood Installation
District Floor Depot is a one-stop shop for all your flooring needs. Our licensed professionals provide excellent flooring installation services and if you need to repair or refinish your flooring, we got you covered.
For your next flooring project, fill out our online form to get in touch with us.