
Are you afraid of your beautiful engineered wood flooring suffering the effects of humidity? Do you fear the sight of warped planks or cracked finishes? Humidity can wreak havoc on even the best engineered wood flooring, causing damage that can be difficult and expensive to repair, but there are things you can do proactively to reduce the chances of damage. Continue reading to know how to protect your engineered wood flooring from humidity's damaging effects.
If The Floor Is Not Fitted Yet
Acclimate Your Floors
Wood is a natural material that adapts itself according to the temperature of the environment which is why even the best engineered wood flooring is prone to humidity. To avoid damage, acclimatize the wood flooring in the space for at least 48 hours prior to installation. This will allow the boards to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the room they will be placed in.
Leave Room For Expansion
Another essential consideration when laying your flooring is leaving a small gap between each board and around the perimeter of the room. This will allow the boards to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity. Not leaving enough room for expansion can cause the boards to buckle, warp, or crack.
After Installation
Use A Dehumidifier
To prevent humidity after installing the engineered wood flooring, use a dehumidifier to dehumidify the surrounding. A dehumidifier helps in reducing the humidity levels to a recommended 35-55 percent only in the air, thus preventing the humidity from seeping into the floors. This will prevent your engineered wood flooring from warping and cracking.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Maintaining proper ventilation restricts the humidity in the space you are installing engineered wood flooring in. Opening doors and windows, and using exhaust fans, and ventilation systems in areas where moisture is generated, such as bathrooms and kitchens will prevent the humidity from finding their way into the floors.
Avoid Wet Cleaning
If you want your engineered wood flooring in the best condition, ditch bucket and mop, and choose a gentle cleaning method instead. Use a dry or slightly damp mop or a cleaning solution specifically designed for engineered wood flooring to clean the floors.
Protect Your Floors From Spills
Occasional spills are natural, but they can be especially harmful to your wood flooring. Make sure to wipe up any spills immediately and avoid leaving wet items on the floor for an extended period. To avoid the impact of spills on floors, use rugs and mats in high-traffic areas where the chances of spills are high.
Conclusion
Humidity can be a serious threat to the longevity of your engineered wood flooring, however, by taking the aforementioned necessary steps you can keep them looking great for years to come. Needless to mention, buy from a brand with the best engineered wood flooring in the market, to begin with for long durability. Choose high-quality engineered wood flooring that is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life and protect against the damaging effects of humidity.