Natural Reaction of Wood to Humidity Changes
Winter is here, and with it comes the snow and cold weather that will have you using your heating devices regularly, enjoying nice evenings by the fire. However, these comfy living conditions and changing humidity levels inside your home have an impact on your beautiful new hardwood floor.
Your hardwood floor is nothing but wood, carefully curated to give your home that fantastic look and feel. And, even though manufacturers have come with ways for the wood to endure environment changes better, it is still a natural material that reacts to conditions around it, even after it has been transformed into flooring. The good news is you can keep the indoor humidity levels to keep your hardwood floor looking great while maintaining a healthy indoor air quality.
Combating Moisture Problems
If you want to ensure the successful long-term performance of your hardwood floor, then aim for humidity levels between 30%-50%.
Free Expansion Space
A reputable flooring contractor will make sure to leave free expansion space around the perimeter of your hardwood floor planks when installed.
Regulate Humidity Levels
During the winter season, when you are continually using your heating system, your hardwood flooring gives up some of its moisture and contracts. As a consequence, you will see gaps appear between planks, which is normal. To help your floor keep moisture, you can bring a portable humidifier into the room or install a humidifier in the furnace. The relative humidity level (RHL) must not fall lower than 40%, to avoid gaps from appearing between your hardwood flooring planks.
Keep Your Floor Clean
A dirty hardwood floor is never good news. Clean it with a microfiber pad lightly dampened with a product specially formulated to clean hardwood floors.
Choose a Good Quality Hardwood Floor in Denver
At T&G Flooring, we install new prefinished & site-finished hardwood flooring in both commercial and residential spaces. We also offer products that come mill-direct and bring you outstanding value. If you need help in selecting the proper floor, stop by our gallery showroom for inspiration to see the latest deals! Or, call us at 303-720-7721 to speak with a flooring expert.
We are one of the largest hardwood flooring retailers in the Front Range!