Timber displays are known for adding warmth and natural beauty to your house or office flooring. Despite being so popular for its unique features, changes in climate can take a toll on their appearance. If you have ever struggled with closing the wooden doors or windows during the rainy season, then it is likely because of the excess moisture present in the area.
Just like timber doors and windows fail to function, timber floors around moisture can become heavy and discolour over time. On the other hand, too dry areas can crack the wood floors altogether.
For this reason, understanding some unique precautions is crucial for protecting and maintaining the timber flooring. In this blog, we will guide you through Greenhill Timbers insights on moisture problems that wood floors face. In the end, you will also find solutions to make the timber floors free from any defects.
Understanding the Effects of Moisture and Humidity on Timber Flooring
Timber is a hygroscopic material. This means that it takes in and releases moisture depending on the environment temperatures. When it rains and the air feels a lot more than a little damp, timber flooring reacts differently. When the air is still humid, wood absorbs moisture and expands. While opposite to it, timber releases moisture and contracts when the air is dry and clear.
High Humidity and Its Effects
Lumber of any type expands when the climate is more humid. When the timber expands, there are other problems that occur with it. Greenhill Timbers suggest that understanding the effects of high humidity levels are necessary to find the permanent solution.
Cupping
A cupping timber is a signal that moisture is creating major defects in your wood flooring. As a result of high humidity, the subfloor can sometimes attract moisture. This eventually makes the edges of the final flooring rise above while the centre is still stable. It looks similar to a concave shape and is purely a case of excess moisture present in the room.
Buckling
Buckling is another sign that indicates excess moisture in the air. If the timber boards are rising above the subfloors, it is likely that moisture is trapping inside the base layers of wood planks. You can see them appearing in a wavy pattern or creating an uneven surface.
This can happen when you do not allow flooring to adjust to the room’s temperature before installation. Leaks and not using any moisture barriers can also make the wood floors buckle.
If the lumber flooring in your house or office is buckling up or concaving, it is always advisable to reinstall them with the help of trusted timber flooring supplier and installation experts.
Low Humidity and Its Effects
If high humidity in the environment swells up the wood products, then low humid temperatures can also shrink the timber floors. Here are a few signs that will tell you the low humid impact on the wood flooring.
Gapping
If you can see gaps between timber planks even after installing it correctly, it is likely that the size of the wood flooring is shrinking. Normally, gaps can occur season after season, however, when these are large, they catch dirt easily and can even downgrade the overall aesthetics.
Splitting and Cracking
When the timber does not get adequate moisture, too dry air can also brittle the floor surface. In the worst case scenario, no precautions or replacement can split the floors, making you spend more money than is necessary on repairs.
7 Ways to Control Moisture
As you now understand the problems of installing timber planks in too damp or dry air, let us now figure out solutions to avoid these problems during timber flooring installation.
1. Proper Acclimatisation
Before installation, make sure to lay the wood planks vertically in stacks with placers between each of them. Letting them sit for a few days allows them to adjust to the room’s temperature and remain stable during and after installation. This should last for 5-7 days, depending on the type of wood flooring.
If you use air conditioners or ventilation systems, make sure they are open to allow wood to adjust to the stable environment. It is best to have professional suppliers and installation experts who can follow the step-by-step process of stabilising the wood before installation.
2. Moisture Barriers
If you live in an area that contains excess moisture, using a polyurethane sheeting before installing wood planks can prevent moisture from seeping through underground floors. Additionally, using a vapour barrier underlayment can protect against moisture leaks.
3. Maintain Indoor Humidity Levels
Maintain indoor humidity level as you see through the humidity measurement metre. Anything between 35% and 55% is ideal. Additionally, you can:
Use a humidifier during winters to get some moisture in the room, while in humid climates, a dehumidifier can help reduce the same.
4. Address Water Spills and Leaks Promptly
Water spills and leaks can also trouble and damage the timber flooring for a long time. Here are some tips.
- Wipe up spills immediately. Avoid using excess water when mopping the floors.
- Fix leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures.
- Place mats or rugs in high-moisture areas, such as near entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms, to absorb water and prevent it from reaching the timber floor.
5. Ensure Proper Ventilation
- Regularly open windows to allow fresh air.
- In kitchens and bathrooms, use exhaust fans to vent humidity outside.
- Ventilate crawl spaces under the house as any moisture in there can affect the timber flooring above.
6. Choose the Right Finish
Use polyurethane and oil-based finishes as it protects the timber floors from taking in excess moisture. Make sure to reapply and maintain the finishing to make the process work efficiently till the timber’s lifespan.
7. Professional Installation
Professional timber flooring installation will always ensure to use the right safety and moisture-prevention measures to get the most benefit out of the timber plank. They can also guide on various ways to prolong the life of the timber floor.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
In addition to preventing moisture from building up on the timber floors, here are long-term measures that you must consider.
Periodic Inspections
Inspect the timber floors periodically to identify any signs of cupping, buckling, or gaps. This will also allow you to make any repairs or replacements as early as possible to reduce the chance of permanent damage.
Protect from Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can dry out and fade the timber flooring over time. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window films to minimise direct sunlight exposure.
Final Words
We hope you liked reading this blog. We outlined the impact of excess moisture in the room throughout the blog. To make your learning easier, we identified the common problems of high humidity and low humidity on wood flooring first. We learnt what these defects in timber flooring look like and their causes.
Later, we understood the various techniques and measures that are helpful to prevent moisture build up and get back extreme moisture loss. Proper environment, moisture barriers, maintaining indoor humidity levels, addressing spills and leaks, proper ventilation, choosing the right finish, and professional installation are key steps.
Ongoing care and maintenance are also add-on to make timber flooring installation useful and a stunning feature for your space. Greenhill Timbers are timber flooring supplier and installation company in Melbourne that takes care of all problems before and after installation.
