Installing wooden flooring in a high-moisture area requires special precautions to ensure the integrity of the floor. Low humidity levels indicate that installation can be performed, but if the humidity is too high, a moisture barrier must be installed or the floor materials must be stored for at least three days (72 hours) to adjust to the site conditions. To prevent the floor from expanding or contracting, it's important to keep up with maintenance and take preventive measures when installing. When your home heats up during colder months, your hardwood floor loses some of its moisture and contracts, resulting in small gaps between the tables.
To avoid this, you can install a humidifier in the oven or bring a mobile humidifier to the room. As long as the humidity is not lower than 40%, there should be no gaps between hardwood floorboards. Nature Wood Floors recommends that all floors be installed using appropriate moisture protection and barrier applications. To combat movement of your hardwood floors, you can install a humidifier or reduce heating when the weather starts to warm up for spring.
It's important to remember that high humidity can slowly but seriously damage your hardwood floor. Before installation begins, make sure that a moisture-resistant membrane is needed and monitor humidity levels. To speed up the drying process, use a fan and re-coat hardwood floors with a finish approved by the floor dealer once they are completely dry.
