Hardwood Flooring Maintenance: How to Prevent Humidity Problems with Your Flooring

Posted on: 6 December 2017

Hardwood is one of the best materials that you can use for your home's flooring needs. It gives your home a rustic yet classy feel and can last for decades without showing signs of wear. However, since it is a natural material, wood responds to humidity changes in the atmosphere. High humidity causes the wood to expand while low humidity leads to contraction. The constant expansion and contraction of the wood can cause premature wear and tear on your flooring. If you have installed hardwood in your home, it is essential to follow these tips so that you can prevent humidity problems.

Invest in a humidity control system

If you are thinking of installing hardwood flooring in your home, you should first invest in a humidity control system beforehand. This will ensure that humidity in the house is regulated right from the installation date. However, if you have had the floor for a while, there is no harm in investing in the system either. A humidity control system regulates humidity in the home and maintains it at the optimal level. These systems are usually automated, so you don't have to worry about how humid your home is. A humidity control system will extend the life of your hardwood flooring and maintain its luster.

Buy a humidifier for the winter

Humidity levels are known to drop significantly during the winter. This will negatively impact your hardwood floor by causing it to contract due to the cold and dry air. If you don't have a humidity control system, you can invest in a humidifier. Portable humidifiers are cheaper than a humidity control system, and they are a great choice if you have a limited budget. A humidifier restores moisture in the homes and also helps to improve the indoor air quality.

Invest in a dehumidifier for the summer

During the summer, temperatures are high, and the moisture content in the air may rise above the average levels. High humidity will cause your hardwood floors to expand, and this will result in wear and tear in the long run. A dehumidifier helps in eliminating excess moisture in the air and restoring humidity to the optimal levels. There are affordable, portable dehumidifiers that are affordable and can be used in different rooms where hardwood floors are installed. When using a dehumidifier, make the right settings to ensure that it does not dry out the air in the home and cause additional problems for your hardwood floors.

You can choose any of these ways to ensure that humidity levels in your home remain at optimal levels. However, with a humidity control system, you don't need to invest in both the humidifier and dehumidifier. Go for the options that meet your needs and are within your budget.

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