Memorial Day is just around the corner, and chances are, there are about to be some great deals for new hardwood flooring. But as the end of May rolls over into June, humidity levels are only going to increase. In this blog, we’ll talk about humidity and hardwood flooring. Protecting the investment you made in your hardwood flooring is extremely important. Read on and learn more!
The Zen of Humidity and Hardwood Flooring Maintenance
As humidity levels rise and fall, your hardwood flooring will expand and contract accordingly. This “breathing” effect can cause long-lasting damage to your hardwood flooring that you may not realize is there until it’s too late. So what can you do to minimize the damages left by humidity?
Integrate Controls before Integrating Floors: Before you begin integrating hardwood floors into your home, consider what controls you have in place. Controls for humidity are an essential factor in ensuring your hardwood always looks its best and will last you for years to come. Home automation is a rising trend lately, and part of that automation is having a humidity control system set up. This system can adjust the humidity present inside your home. While having some humidity indoors is important, it shouldn’t exceed the range of 40-60%, or else your hardwood flooring will begin to suffer.
Humidity in Summer: Depending on where your home is located, humidity levels can reach up to 90%! If you’re feeling miserable in those conditions, chances are, so are your floors. Due to humidity-induced expansion, the planks of your flooring can degrade and become irreversibly damaged. A dehumidifier can be a great option if a control system is not feasible.
Humidity and Floor Cupping: Floor cupping occurs when humidity damage accumulates enough that the floor rolls up. What this means is that you can see a certain “bowing” effect. Cupping usually diminishes once the cause of the damage is addressed, either humidity or a leak hidden somewhere.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? You Can Trust John K Eareckson & Co.!
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come. From a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.