Humidity and Flooring
That's the significant factor which could have an impact on your hardwood flooring. Humidity level changes can cause wood planks to contract and expand.
This process is something natural for wood flooring and it occurs even if the flooring was laid some time ago. Slight expansion or contraction is absolutely nothing to be worried about, however in interiors where humidity level is too high it might prove to be a very problematic issue.
Among the ways of protecting your floor against undesirable outcomes of these natural methods, such as bending or warping, we ought to mention leaving expansion gaps around the outside of the room -- by doing so, you can prevent excessive bending, bowing or openings.
But you still need to keep humidity level if you would like your hardwood flooring to look great for a long time. Stick to the advice and above all be sure to make the right selection of wood flooring -- it should be acceptable for areas with higher humidity level.
Within this article we've decided to name a few of the most frequent reasons for high humidity in the house. We also present you with some handy tips about things to do to prevent damage caused by high humidity and ensure your floor looks great for long decades.
High humidity inside your home -- reasons:
1. Wood subfloor moisture.
When you are installing a new wood flooring to a sub-floor which has been there, be sure to make sure that the sub floor is in good shape and that its moisture content is considerably low. It would be perfect when the moisture content ranges between 5-8%, or is reduced. It's a must for every homeowner to control the moisture levels before starting the installation process, or else difficulties can happen with time.
2. Dampness of partitions.
There may be several reasons behind moist walls in your home. Secondly, the specified room might be inadequately ventilated.
If the moisture level of the walls is high and it becomes a serious problem, don't hesitate and speak with a professional, who will probably fix the issue for you. But if dampness was due to condensation, improving ventilation might be all you want.
The other possible cause of damp walls can be its recent re-plastering, in which situation the walls will dry out in a while, but, anyway, be vigilant and check on your floor, making certain that there aren't any indications of harm on the ground, due to dampness coming out of the walls.
3. Evidently, bathroom is a difficult atmosphere to get a wood floor.
It is exposed to many harmful factors, but this shouldn't keep you from getting a hardwood flooring for your toilet , if that is what you desire. Make a ideal choice and you'll enjoy a great long-lasting wooden look there, in spite of all of the dampness and humidity it must endure.
4. Frequently used kitchens.
If you live with a family, kitchen would be the central area in the house where all the family members meet mealtimes. Preparing and serving meals entails a lot of warmth and humidity. Therefore, all wooden elements, and especially your wood flooring in such an area will be put into the test -- which is the reason you have to think that through beforehand to avoid making a mistake that can cost you time and money, due to the need to renovate or replace the flooring shortly after it has been laid.
How to measure humidity in your House
If you're facing problems with excessive humidity on your flat, do not hurry and carefully assess it
prior to laying the floor, and determine how serious the issue is. Then, you may seek professional guidance to solve it, preventing wood flooring damage.
So far as subfloors are involved, assess humidity levels, prior to installing your new hardwood floors. In the event of timber subfloors, it is advised to take approximately 30 moisture readings across the area and determine if the moisture level is appropriate or whether it can cause trouble later on.
The average of all readings you have made should range between 2 and 3%, and shouldn't exceed this level. In the case of concrete subfloors which have been laid, moisture level will probably be more of a struggle.
If at some stage there is an isolated high reading, there's ordinarily no need to stress. However, if you see large fluctuations throughout the readings you've made, do not ignore it.
Engineered wood floor -- the best option
When making a selection of the suitable hardwood flooring for a room with high humidity level, you can be certain the engineered wood flooring is the best option. That is a type of flooring that's manufactured to resist damage due to moisture to a far greater extent than solid hardwood, most of all because engineered timber flooring isn't subject to natural growth and contraction processes to such an extent as is true with solid hardwood floors.
High moisture level shouldn't be an issue in this instance. But if humidity really is an issue at your house, listen and take some time to check it carefully and get expert advice. In this way you'll avoid the unnecessary strain and get the things at the very beginning.
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