Summer is almost here!
With summer fast approaching it is important to remember that maintaining the humidity and temperature levels in your home is critical to the performance and longevity of Superior Hardwood Flooring Products.
How does relative humidity affect hardwood flooring?
Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning that it always contains water. Wood is constantly exchanging water vapour with the ambient air around it and continually seeking to be in balance with its surroundings. When humidity levels are high, wood will swell and when humidity levels are low, wood will shrink. This constant fluctuation between swelling and shrinking will eventually damage the wood, therefore it is imperative to keep your wood flooring in a stable and controlled environment year-round.
Superior Hardwood Flooring’s recommended relative humidity levels
How do different regions and seasons react to relative humidity?
Humidity will vary throughout various geographic regions, different times of year, and changing weather conditions. For example, in Southern Ontario, where our headquarters are located, we experience high humidity during our summer season which can cause concerns such as cupping, swelling and squeaking in the floor. Conversely, in winter months, we experience drier humidity levels which can cause concerns such as checking or gapping. Be aware of the indoor humidity level in your home and maintain a stable environment within the recommended ranges year-round to ensure the longevity of your flooring.
5 tips to help reduce humidity in your home:
- Turn on your air conditioner. This will naturally decrease humidity in your home by exchanging warm moist air with cooler, drier air.
- Use your exhaust and ventilation fans when cooking or showering.
- Use a dehumidifier. Most new homes HVAC systems include built-in dehumidifiers. If yours does not, getting one will assist in keeping your home cool, dry and within optimal humidity ranges.
- Create good airflow in your home. Using your air conditioner on humid days, opening windows on days that are not, and even keeping interior doors open, will all contribute to better air flow and balanced humidity levels in your home.
- Home maintenance. Make sure your home has no leaking pipes and inspect for proper weather stripping around windows and doors. These concerns can be contributing to elevated humidity levels in your home.
Following these simple tips will assist in maintaining the ideal humidity and temperature levels in your home and in turn keep your Superior Hardwood floor in optimum condition for years to come.
