Wood Floor Movement
Solid hardwood floors move continuously as humidity levels fluctuate. They expand in high humidity, and contract in low humidity. For this reason, hardwood floor buckling and cupping is common during prime summer and winter seasons. This is when the climate is either very hot and moist, or very dry and cold. To help monitor your home’s humidity levels, it is recommended to install a hygrometer, also known as the humidity gauge. Relative humidity levels should remain in the 60% range. It is important to keep an eye on both interior humidity levels, as well as, humidity levels beneath your home. These are where humidity fluctuations commonly occur.
Buckling and Cupping
When wood flooring is installed, it acclimate itself to the normal humidity levels inside and underneath the home. If the humidity level rises to a percentage much higher than the wood floor was originally acclimated to, it can cause the floorboards to expand and buckle. If the humidity level changes to a much lower percentage than what the flooring was originally acclimated to, it can cause the floorboards to contract and leave spaces between them. But when humidity levels are much higher or lower inside than that of the humidity underneath your home, it can cause cupping. Generally, if floorboards cup down, meaning the center width of the board on top is higher than its edges, it’s an indication that the interior humidity levels are higher than the levels below your home. If they cup up, creating a U-shape, the humidity levels inside your home are lower than that of the crawlspace or basement.Tips for Prevention
The most important thing you can do to prevent hardwood floor damage is to hire an experienced general contractor for professional hardwood flooring installation. They have the tools, knowledge, and training to properly assess your home’s humidity levels and plan hardwood floor installation accordingly. It is important to also run an adequate air conditioner during hot humid seasons, turn on bathroom vents when taking showers, turn on the stove vent when cooking, routinely inspect the outgoing dryer vent to ensure there are no obstructions, and consider installing a dehumidifier.
Standing water in a crawlspaces and other common cause for changes in humidity. Be sure to have your plumbing checked regularly to ensure there are no water leaks going unnoticed for long periods of time. We should also consider resealing your basement walls and flooring to protect against water damage. And of course, make sure your crawlspace and basement has adequate ventilation.