Seasonal Humidity Checks to Preserve Engineer Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can last for decades or even centuries if properly cared for. However, seasonal changes in humidity levels can wreak havoc on hardwood if preventative measures are not taken.

Maintaining the right humidity levels in your home is crucial for preserving the structural integrity and aesthetic beauty of hardwood flooring. Fluctuating humidity causes the wood to expand and contract, leading to cupping, gapping, cracking, and even buckling if humidity swings are drastic enough.

By proactively monitoring and regulating indoor humidity throughout the year, you can avoid costly hardwood floor repairs and keep your floors looking pristine for generations to come. This comprehensive guide will walk you through easy, DIY steps for seasonal hardwood humidity checks and regulation.

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Why Hardwood Floors Are Sensitive to Humidity Changes

Hardwood flooring is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs and releases moisture until reaching equilibrium with the surrounding environment. The moisture content (MC) of wood constantly adjusts to ambient humidity through a process called equalization.

In winter, when indoor air is driest, wood releases moisture and shrinks, causing gaps between boards. In summer, wood takes on moisture and expands, potentially leading to buckling or cupping.

These seasonal expansions and contractions occur across the grains of the wood. Hardwood flooring is especially vulnerable because the boards are fastened to the subfloor with nails or adhesive rather than being structurally integrated like solid hardwood.

The key is to minimize extreme humidity fluctuations through proactive monitoring and control so the wood’s movement and equalization process remains relatively gradual rather than sudden.

Best Humidity Levels for Hardwood Floors

The ideal humidity range for hardwood flooring is 35-55%. This ambient moisture content enables slight wood movement while preventing excessive expansion or contraction.

In winter, a minimum indoor humidity of 35% should be maintained to avoid large gaps or splits. In summer, indoor humidity should not exceed 55% to prevent cupping or swelling damage.

Use a hygrometer placed centrally on the ground floor of your home to monitor humidity. Adjust levels up or down gradually as needed with the following tips.

If indoor humidity strays outside the 35-55% range, take corrective actions over 2-3 weeks to allow the wood to equalize slowly. Rapid humidity changes force the wood fibers to expand/contract too quickly, causing structural damage.

Seasonal Hardwood Humidity Regulation Tips

Regulating home humidity involves balancing moisture output from occupants, household activities like cooking or showering, and climate conditions. Here are helpful tips for each season:

Winter Hardwood Humidity Tips (Heating Season)

Cause of Low Humidity

• Heating systems dry out indoor air
• Cold outdoor air holds less moisture

Consequences of Low Humidity

• Gaps between floorboards
• Cracks or splits in flooring
• Wood shrinkage below normal MC

Tips to Boost Humidity

• Use humidifier to maintain 35-45% humidity
• Place water bowls near heat vents
• Avoid overheating home above 70°F
• Run kitchen/bath fans less frequently
• Close fireplace dampers when not in use

Spring & Fall Hardwood Humidity Tips

Cause of Humidity Fluctuations

• Drastic temperature swings outdoors
• Changing precipitation levels
• Open windows allowing outdoor air in

Consequences of Humidity Fluctuations

• Repeated expansion/contraction of flooring
• Surface damage from moisture spikes
• Growth of mold, mildew, or fungi

Tips to Regulate Humidity

• Partially close windows when humidity is very high/low outdoors
• Run AC/dehumidifier to remove excess moisture
• Use humidifier to boost moisture on dry days
• Maintain 40-50% indoor humidity

Summer Hardwood Humidity Tips

Causes of High Humidity

• Hot, humid outdoor air entering home
• Increased moisture from occupant activities
• Air conditioning units removing less moisture

Consequences of High Humidity

• Swelling of floorboards at seams
• Cupping deformities of flooring
• Discoloration, mold, pests

Tips to Decrease Humidity

• Set AC to “dry” mode to remove more moisture
• Run dehumidifier to maintain 50-55% indoor humidity
• Avoid excessive watering of indoor plants
• Use exhaust fans when cooking, showering
• Partially close windows on humid days

Tips to Prevent Damage If Humidity Exceeds 55%

• Raise AC thermostat by a few degrees
• Run dehumidifier constantly until humidity drops
• Remove water bowls for pets during the day
• Place moisture absorbers like baking soda nearby
• Avoid washing floors or cleaning with liquids

DIY Seasonal Hardwood Humidity Checks

Along with actively regulating humidity, it’s wise to periodically inspect for signs of moisture damage or movement.

Conduct visual checks seasonally when heating/cooling usage changes. Thoroughly inspect all floors and test problem areas with a moisture meter.

What to Look For During Visual Inspection

• Cupping (upward buckling edges)
• Gapping between boards
• Discoloration of flooring
• Mold/mildew growth
• Surface cracks or checking
• Peaking/tenting of flooring

Checking for Moisture Issues

Use a moisture meter (can be purchased for $20-100 online) to test the MC of flooring.

• Test 20+ areas per room, focusing on perimeter boards.
• Place meter prongs firmly into the wood and record MC readings.
• The top 1/3 of flooring depth equals the ambient humidity.
• Look for readings outside the 6-9% MC range.

Take Corrective Action For Out-of-Range Areas

If certain sections test outside the 35-55% moisture content range, run humidification/dehumidification in those rooms only to avoid overdrying unaffected areas.

You may need to replace damaged boards that cannot be stabilized. Consulting a hardwood flooring specialist is advisable for buckled, cupped, or warped planks.

Maintaining Healthy Hardwood Year-Round

In addition to checking humidity levels, keep your floors looking beautiful with these standard maintenance tips:

• Sweep/vacuum weekly to prevent dirt buildup
• Clean spills quickly to avoid warping
• Apply floor cleaner 2-4 times per year
• Use felt pads under furniture legs
• Avoid walking in shoes with embedded gravel/debris
• Limit direct sunlight exposure where possible

Hardwood Floor Humidity Regulation FAQs

Q: How often should I check humidity levels?

A: Check humidity daily to ensure levels are within 35-55%. Visually inspect floors and use moisture meter seasonally when heating/cooling usage changes.

Q: Can’t I just run a humidifier or dehumidifier year-round?

A: It’s best to actively monitor and adjust humidity as outdoor levels change seasonally. Leaving units running nonstop can overdry or oversaturate the air if not calibrated properly over time.

Q: What humidity level is best for pets or musical instruments?

A: 45-55% humidity is ideal for most pets and instruments. This minimizes dander and static electricity issues while preventing instrument cracking/warping.

Q: Why does my floor feel uneven or wavy?

A: A wavy floor could indicate areas of the flooring have buckled or warped from excessive moisture. Check for leaks, test humidity, and evaluate if boards need replacement.

Q: Can’t I just replace damaged hardwood planks myself?

A: It’s often better to have a flooring specialist handle replacements. They can best match new planks, properly glue/nail them, and ensure the underlying cause of damage is resolved.

Be proactive against seasonal humidity fluctuations to preserve your valuable hardwood floors for years of lasting beauty and enjoyment! Let me know if you have any other hardwood care questions.