What is the Floor Cupping Effect?
Whenever you are standing on a hardwood floor and notice that the boards appear wavy, that is called cupping. In other words, the long edges of the boards are higher than the center of the boards, making them appear concave. Frequently, excess moisture is the culprit. Even the most professionally installed flooring can be a victim of cupping, especially during the humid periods. That is why we have brought you today five tips to help your wood floors resist the cupping effect.
Tips to Protect Your Hardwood Floors Against Cupping
During the summertime, humidity levels are usually higher than during the winter, when indoor moisture levels are normally dried out due to your heating system.
Only Install Woods Prepare to Take Resist Humidity
It is best to install hardwood floors that have been manufactured in the same climate as they will be used. This helps minimize the cupping effect because the hardwood planks will be acclimated to their final destinations humidity levels which helps prevent them from becoming concave throughout the year.
Hire Professional Floor Installers
Wood expands and retracts throughout the seasons. Hiring professional hardwood flooring installers will ensure your new floor is properly laid down and fastened, preventing deformities during the summer.
Install a Whole-Home Humidifier
These devices will work hand in hand with your HVAC system to monitor and generate optimal humidity levels in your home. Both systems can control the moisture level inside your entire house and help protect against floor cupping in rooms with wood floors.
Never Damp Mop a Wood Floor
When cleaning your precious floors, use as minimal water as possible. Excess levels of humidity can cause the water to evaporate slower, causing your wooden floors to absorb more water than usual during mopping.
Run Vents as Much as Possible
Hardwood floors are a preferred flooring choice for many Coloradans to embellish their bathrooms and kitchens. That is why we recommend you run bathroom vents or stove vents while showering or cooking for more than 10 minutes.
T&G Flooring is the premier choice for hardwood flooring experts in Colorado. Our flooring experts are industry trained and can answer any of your hardwood flooring questions.
For a free estimate or to schedule your new hardwood flooring installation in Colorado, contact us today!
