Hardwood flooring is a stunning and timeless addition to any home. However, hardwood is a natural material that can be susceptible to damage from changes in humidity. By understanding how humidity affects hardwood and taking steps to control it, you can help ensure that your floors stay looking their best for years to come.
How humidity affects wood floors
Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the surrounding air. When the humidity is too high, wood absorbs moisture and expands. When the humidity is low, wood releases moisture and contracts. These changes in dimension can lead to several problems for hardwood flooring, including:
- Cupping: The edges of the boards become higher than the center.
- Crowning: The center of the boards becomes higher than the edges.
- Gaps: Gaps appear between the boards.
- Buckling: The boards warp and become uneven.
- Squeaking: The boards rub against each other and make noise.
The ideal humidity level for hardwood flooring
The ideal humidity level for wood floors is between 30% and 50%. Maintaining this range will help to prevent the problems mentioned above.
How to control humidity in your home
There are several things you can do to control the humidity in your home:
- Use a humidifier or dehumidifier: Humidifiers add moisture, dehumidifiers remove it. These devices can be used to help maintain the ideal humidity level in your home.
- Ventilate your home properly: Make sure your place is properly ventilated to allow moisture to escape. This is especially crucial in areas prone to high moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Use exhaust fans: Exhaust fans can help to remove moisture from the air in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Avoid overwatering your plants: Overwatering your plants can increase the humidity in your home.
- Seal any cracks or leaks: Cracks and leaks can allow moisture to enter your home. Seal any cracks or leaks to help prevent moisture problems.
The benefits of controlling humidity for wood floors
Controlling the humidity in your home can help to:
- Prevent damage to your hardwood floors: By maintaining the ideal humidity level, you can help prevent the problems mentioned above.
- Extend the life of your hardwood floors: By taking good care of your wood flooring, you can help it last for many years.
- Improve the appearance of your hardwood floors: Wood floors look their best when they are in good condition.
- Improve the air quality in your home: Controlling humidity can also help to improve the air quality in your home.
Your experts on hardwood flooring in Carrollton, TX
Controlling humidity is an important part of caring for hardwood flooring. By taking steps to maintain the ideal humidity level in your home, you can help ensure that your floors stay looking their best for years to come.
If you have any questions about caring for your hardwood floors, please contact First US Floors. Our showroom in Carrollton, TX, serves the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Carrollton, Plano, Frisco, and Lewisville, TX. We're always happy to help!
