FLOORING PLUS ROCHESTER
Have you ever observed any movement in your hardwood floors? Do the boards show some cupping in the summer and gaps in the winter? Although many homeowners may find the shifting of hardwood floors alarming, it is a normal occurrence.
Because of variations in humidity, wood flooring can change with the seasons. They shrink in the winter when the air is drier, and they swell in the summer when the humidity is higher. We’ll go into the specific reasons for this in this post, along with some tips for reducing this shifting.
How Does the Change in Seasons Impact Wood Floors?
Wood is a substance that absorbs moisture. In other words, it takes in and releases moisture according to the air’s humidity level. The air becomes drier during the winter months due to interior heating, and wood naturally absorbs moisture to replenish the moisture lost in the air. Wood flooring shrinks as a result, and gaps or cracks appear between the planks.
On the other hand, summertime tends to have higher humidity levels. Wood floors will therefore expand as a result of absorbing moisture from the air. Boards may swell or cup slightly as a result, with the edges rising higher than the middle. In essence, wood attempts to balance the moisture content of its interior with that of the surrounding air, which causes this seasonal movement.
Factors that will Influence how a Floor will Shift:
Wood Type
Certain hardwood species are inherently less mobile. They are more dimensionally stable, which explains this. For example, compared to maple floors, oak floors often move less. Additionally, compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood will move less. This is due to the layered structure of engineered hardwood, which improves its dimensional stability.
Width of the Board Humidity Levels Indoors
The amount that a floor will shift with seasonal variations is also influenced by the board width. Compared to narrower boards, wider boards will absorb and release more moisture because they have a larger surface area. As a result, you will notice more cupping in the summer and larger gaps in the winter. A 2-1/4″ board might have a 1/32″ winter gap, while a 9″ board might have a 3/16″ gap.
Humidity Levels Indoors
The movement of hardwood flooring is mostly influenced by the atmosphere inside your home, even while the winter months naturally provide lower temperatures and the summer months bring higher humidity levels. During the winter, you will notice less movement if you have a humidifier running. To reduce movement, we advise maintaining interior humidity levels between 35 and 55 percent throughout the year.
Tips to Reduce Hardwood Changes:
Have a Stable Humidity Level
Reducing seasonal hardwood shifting can only be achieved by maintaining a constant humidity level in your home, usually between 35 and 55%. If required, add a humidifier to your furnace. Your home’s air will become more humid as a result. You can also frequently boil water on the stove or use a portable humidifier.
To control humidity, these choices might not be sufficient, though, depending on the size of the wood flooring. In the summer, a dehumidifier can also be used.
Consider Engineered Hardwood
Although it still expands and contracts, engineered hardwood does so to a considerably lesser degree than natural hardwood. The wonderful thing about engineered hardwood is that it still blends in beautifully with any type of interior design. Making this kind of wood the best option if you reside in a place with significant seasonal variations.
It may first be frightening to notice cracks or cupping in your hardwood floors. Just keep in mind that it’s normal and shouldn’t cause you too much worry. However, you can guarantee that your flooring stays beautiful and long-lasting by maintaining consistent internal humidity levels in your house.
We welcome you to contact us to discuss your flooring options.
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