How Indoor Climate Affects Timber Flooring
One thing most people will agree upon is that timber flooring will create a wow factor in your home or workplace. Even the most average of rooms can be transformed.
Wooden floorboards, whichever type you choose, do however take some maintenance and care to keep them looking good. Besides regularly organising timber floor sanding and polishing, take into account the fact that the seasons can affect the longevity of your floor too. There are steps that you need to take to ensure that your floors stay in pristine condition.
When the temperature becomes humid our floors can sweat just like our bodies. Timber flooring can swell. Our floors react to heat, cold, temperature and humidity. Solid timber flooring is the most susceptible, while engineered timber flooring is generally a lot more resistant to climatic changes.
As a rough guide, a change of 10% in humidity can cause an expansion or contraction in your flooring of up to half an inch (1.75 centimetres).
Humidity in the Summer Months
Summer is coming and in 2020 we are spending more time at home than ever before. Humidity can move up to 60% in Sydney. Humidity can create health effects due to mould growth, bacteria and viruses, and dust mite infestations.
Ideally humidity should be kept between 30-50% inside the home to stop movement in your flooring. Utilise your fans and air conditioning units in summer and heating in winter when you can.
How Can I Check the Humidity in my Home or Workplace?
The weather can mess with your timber flooring, especially during times when it fluctuates from cold to hot or hot to cold rapidly. The simplest way to discover the relative humidity for an area of your home is to use a tool that has been especially designed for this purpose- such as a thermo hygrometer. These devices check the temperature and moisture saturation and calculate the humidity in the air.
Wood Flooring Systems in Winter
During winter when homes are heated artificially the air is usually dry. Wood flooring will lose some of its moisture and either shrink or contract as a result.
Timber Floor Cracks and Splits
When your flooring is faced with extreme heat or cold it can become weak and stressed. Flooring can buckle, become cracked, become cupped (where adjoining boards begin to press against each other). Your timber flooring is then damaged. The timber is no longer protected.
To Prevent Moisture Problems
- Maintain the correct humidity levels with artificial heating or cooling systems or a dehumidifier.
- Sydney can have times of heavy rain. When the weather is wet, avoid tracking water through the house. Use floor mats and take your shoes off at all times.
- Clean your timber flooring regular with a cloth that is lightly dampened with a cleaning product for floors.
- When selecting new floors for your home or business, speak with us so that we can help you choose the best floors for longevity as well as style. Check out our gallery for some great ideas!
Abacus Flooring have over 28 years’ experience in flooring, which includes floor revamps and timber floor sanding and floor polishing in Sydney. We take the hassle out of having your flooring renewed. Contact our friendly team today for a free consultation and quote.
