Weather & Wood Tips
We are quite familiar with the weather of Louisiana: humid. While we have learned to live with it our whole lives, our wood floors need care in order to stand the moisture.
The levels of moisture in the air can easily affect wood floors. When there is a high level of moisture in the air, wood floors absorb it and tend to expand. Just the opposite happens when there is a low level of moisture in the air: wood floors tend to shrink.
During times of humidity, the expansion of wood can cause a few unwelcomed effects. There are some simple tips and techniques that can be done to prevent buckling, cupping, and crowning from occurring.
- Make use of your air conditioner. Turn on your A/C to help remove moisture in the air.
- Consider purchasing a dehumidifier. Exactly as it sounds, this tool works to eliminate the humidity in the air.
- Invest in a hygrometer. A hygrometer measures the temperature and relative humidity of the air. This helps to ensure that you can always take the right measures to protect your wood flooring.
- Leave room for expansion. This is a smart installation technique that allows wood room to expand during humid times.
While not as common for us in Louisiana, the effects that cold weather can have on wood floors are just as troublesome. To prevent your wood floors from shrinking and cracking, it is important to follow this tip in addition to using a hygrometer.
Use a humidifier during cooler weather and times where there is a low level of moisture in the air. This can work to expand the wood back to its normal width and prevent cracking.
While all of these methods are effective, it is ultimately important that your wood floors are carefully chosen and installed properly to eliminate the risks. At Edwin Burton’s Flooring, we make sure that every customer receives quality service that stands the test of time (and weather).
