Moisture and Humidity

Hardwood plank flooring is like a sponge, when it absorbs moisture it expands in width and when it depletes moisture it contracts in width.

This phenomenon is unavoidable and must be considered and controlled throughout the life of the floor (including the acclimation and installation processes).

To avoid the damage associated with expansion (Cupping, Buckling, Compression Fractures) and contraction (Gapping, Checking), the quantity of moisture that comes into contact with this hardwood floor must be controlled.

Expansion is caused by anything classified as “wet”. The list of “wet” items includes but is not limited to:

• Water supply line failures
• Drain line failures
• Sink or toilet overflows
• Heavy or repeated spilling
• Pet urine or drool
• Wet mopping
• Steam mopping
• High humidity level of the living environment
• High humidity level below the living environment
• Flooding of basement or crawlspace

Contraction is caused by anything classified as “dry”. The list of “dry” items includes but is not limited to:

• Low humidity level of the living environment
• Low humidity level below the living environment

Improper humidity control is the most common cause of hardwood floor damage. For best results, the relative humidity level in the areas both above and below the floor must be maintained between 35-60%.

Even with sophisticated HVAC systems, use of a stand-alone Hygrometer is strongly suggested. There are two primary reasons for this suggestion; 

1. A Hygrometer is a good backup to ensure your HVAC system is operating properly. 
2. Confusion exists between settings and readings on some HVAC systems.