When it comes to flooring, most people think of either tile or carpet. But there is another option; hardwood.
Hardwood flooring can last for many years with proper care and add a touch of elegance to any room. However, one thing to keep in mind with hardwood floors is that they are sensitive to moisture. Excess moisture can cause the wood to warp and buckle if you’re not careful.
So how does moisture affect hardwood flooring, and what can you do to prevent damage? Read on for a complete guide.
How Moisture Affects Hardwood Flooring
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of hardwood flooring. When the wood absorbs too much moisture, it can start to warp and buckle. This is most commonly seen in the form of cupping, where the edges of the plank become higher than the center.
Cupping
Cupping is a reaction that occurs due to a humidity imbalance in the wood. Due to the high level of moisture contents, wood planks absorb water and swell up, resulting in the edges of the boards lifting and the center sags.
There are several reasons cupping can occur, including excessive relative humidity, water infiltration, or even just migrating relative humidity from a basement or crawl space. If you notice your hardwood floors starting to cup, it’s important to quickly identify the root cause so you can take steps to fix it.
Gapping
Changes in temperature and humidity can cause gapping, so it’s more common in areas with large fluctuations.
When the humidity levels in your home drop, wood loses its moisture and begins to shrink. This can cause gaps to form between the boards. While gapping is not as serious as cupping, it’s still something you’ll want to address so your floors continue to look.
Warping
Warping is when the boards twist or bend out of shape. It can be caused by both excessive moisture and extreme dryness. If the wood absorbs too much water, it will start to swell and bow. If the wood doesn’t have enough moisture, it will shrink and cup.
In either case, warping can cause your hardwood floors to become uneven and can make it difficult to walk on them. Warping is more likely to happen if the floors are not properly acclimatized before installation.
Crowning
Crowning is the opposite of cupping, and it’s when the center of the plank is higher than the edges. It can be caused by the same things as cupping, but it’s less common. Crowning is more likely to happen if the boards are not properly acclimatized before installation.
Buckling
Buckling is when the boards lift from the subfloor and create an uneven surface. It’s usually caused by excess moisture, but it can also be caused by inadequate ventilation or a faulty humidifier. If you notice your hardwood floors starting to buckle, it’s important to quickly identify the root cause so you can take steps to fix it.
Cracking
Cracking can be caused by a number of things, including changes in temperature and humidity, improper installation, or even just the natural settling of your home. While cracking is not as serious as cupping, gapping, or warping, it’s still something you’ll want to address so your floors continue to look their best
Discoloration
The discoloration is when the color of the wood changes, usually due to exposure to sunlight or other light sources. Hardwood floors can also discolor if exposed to water or other liquids. While discoloration is not as severe as cupping, gapping, warping, or buckling, it’s still something you’ll want to address so your floors continue to look their best.
Preventing Moisture Damage
Prevention is the best way to avoid problems with your hardwood floors, so it’s important to take steps to protect them from damage. Here are a few things you can do to help keep your hardwood floors in good condition
Acclimatize the Wood
This is especially important if you live in an area with large fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The best way to acclimatize hardwood is to store it in a room where it will be installed for at least 72 hours before installation.
This will allow the wood to reach equilibrium with the surrounding environment and minimize the chance of it expanding or contracting after installation.
Be Careful With Cleaning Products
Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can damage the finish or the wood itself. When you’re cleaning your hardwood floors, be careful and use a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid harsh abrasives chemicals.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier can help maintain the relative humidity (RH) in your home at 30-50%, which is optimal for hardwood floors.
A humidifier can help minimize the risk of cupping, crowning, and warping. Just be sure to use a humidifier that’s properly sized for the room.
Install a Vapour Barrier
A vapor barrier is a material that prevents moisture from passing through it. If you live in an area with high humidity, installing a vapor barrier beneath your hardwood floors is a good idea. This will help to prevent the wood from absorbing too much moisture and expanding.
Use Rugs and Mats
Rugs and mats can help to protect your hardwood floors from moisture and dirt. Place them at entryways to keep dirt and moisture from being tracked onto the floor, and place them in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
Clean up Spills Immediately
It’s important to clean up spills as soon as they happen because if left to sit, they can damage the finish of your hardwood floors. Use a clean, dry cloth to blot up spills, and then clean the area with a mild soap and water solution.
Avoid Walking on Wet Floors
If your hardwood floors are wet, avoid walking on them until they’re dry, as this can damage the finish and wood.
Clean the Floors Regularly
Regular cleaning will help to remove dirt and dust that can damage the finish of your hardwood floors. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a microfiber mop to avoid scratching the floors.
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of hardwood floors, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it from damaging your floors. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your hardwood floors looking like new for years to come.
If you want to install a hardwood floor in your apartment, or if your floor has been damaged by water, Valet Works can help. Valet Works has years of experience in the industry and can provide you with a high-quality, durable floor that will last for years.