Wooden floors have been in global use since the 17th Century. Despite its popularity, most people are unaware of its characteristics. Winter is ideal for installing wood flooring.
Humidity
Humidity is low in winter. So, a wooden floor has less moisture underneath. Low humidity is crucial for installing and maintaining the floor.
High humidity levels cause wood to warp and buckle, making it uneven. Low precipitation encourages mold and mildew growth on the subfloors.
The moisture content is lower in winter. However, it may be different everywhere. So, it is necessary to check the subfloor before installation. Homeowners can paste duct tape and apply a plastic sheet around it. Removing it after a few days shows whether the sheet has accumulated moisture around it.
We recommend postponing the installation process to allow the drying of the floor. If it does not dry out, a dehumidifier may become necessary to reduce humidity in the air.
Acclimation
Another process many are oblivious to is acclimation. Wooden planks need to acclimate before installation. Doing it is a simple process, and the first step involves bringing the boards into the room where the installation will take place.
Keeping the boxes open and allowing air circulation for at least ten days lets the wood adapt to the ambient humidity and temperature. Acclimation is essential for wood flooring in Bel Air homes to avoid unevenness and bumps.
Expanding
Since organic wood expands in high temperatures and contracts in low temperatures. Humidity also affects it, contracting when dry and expanding when damp.
For instance, trees have vessels in the trunks. They act as tubes, carrying water and nutrients throughout. Even after cutting the tree, the tubes remain, absorbing water and causing the boards to expand.
Ignoring it can lead to problems like reinstalling the floor or repairing it frequently. So, temperature and humidity play integral roles in wood flooring.
Professional observation shows that installing a floor is challenging in summer because the planks are usually swollen. Installing wooden floors in summer may seem right until homeowners find gaps in the floor with the changing weather.
Winter Installation
Installing wood flooring in your homes in winter is easier because homeowners get access to installers during the vacation.
So, floor installation is best done in winter. Additionally, installing in winter has another benefit. Most people go out on vacation, and intricate work like laying wooden floors or painting the walls is better when the room is left empty.
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