The Impact of Humidity on Hardwood Floors and How to Manage It

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.

When humidity levels change, the air may feel dry and thick, or your skin may feel dry. While you know the impact of humidity on your body, how does it affect your hardwood floors? You may not have thought about humidity when you installed your hardwood floors, but they need the proper humidity levels to stay in good condition.

What Is Relative Humidity?

Before we look at how humidity affects your wood floors, let’s learn what relative humidity is. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the total water vapor it can hold at its current temperature. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, at 33% relative humidity, the air is at one-third of its water vapor capacity. The more water vapor in the air, the higher the relative humidity.

Warmer air holds more moisture than colder air, which means higher temperatures mean higher humidity levels. 

The Impact of Humidity on Your Flooring

The temperature and moisture levels in your home have a direct impact on wood floors. Since wood is a natural material, its moisture content changes as the temperature changes, like live trees. 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.

The proper humidity level in your home should be between 30% and 50%, which is also the ideal humidity level for wood floors. You should monitor your indoor humidity levels to maintain the ideal levels. When the humidity levels are high, your hardwood floors will absorb moisture, causing warping. When humidity levels are low, they will lose moisture, causing them to shrink and create gaps between the planks. You must know how to care for your hardwood floors to maintain their good condition despite the relative humidity.

Here are a few ways that humidity affects wood floors:

• Buckling: Buckling can occur when humidity levels are excessively high. 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: Crowning is the opposite of cupping. 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

Consistently keeping your home’s temperature and humidity levels within a specific range is one of the best ways to avoid the potential effects of humidity changes on your hardwood floor. As mentioned, the best humidity range for your home is between 30% and 50%. Here are more 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: Proper care for your wood floors with the right products will help. Use products that are specifically for wood, and avoid using excess water when cleaning. To prevent excess moisture exposure, use a damp cloth instead of mopping with water.

Ventilation: Ventilation increases the airflow in your home. Check your home’s ventilation systems to ensure they are working properly.

Installation: Proper installation of your wood floors can help reduce the effects of humidity on them.

Humidity monitoring: Monitor your home’s humidity to keep it at the recommended levels. You can also open windows when the temperature is comfortable to balance the humidity level naturally.

Contact District Floor Depot for Expert Hardwood Installation

Hardwood floors are a significant investment and need care to stay in good condition. You can talk to a professional for guidance on caring for them and keeping them in the best condition. 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’ve got you covered.

For help with your next flooring project or to learn more about caring for your hardwood floors, fill out our online form to get in touch with us.