Damage To Hardwood Floors During Summer
The summer season can lead to several pesky problems for your floors if you aren t careful.
Damage to hardwood floors during summer. Quick changes in humidity cause floorboards to warp. In many instances environmental factors cause wood floors to warp rather than shoddy workmanship on the part of the floor installer. The extreme heat and shift in moisture can cause it to buckle cup and warp while uv rays can cause fading and discolouration of the floor surface. This can lead to swelling warping or cupping at which point you have a serious and expensive problem on your hands.
Excess moisture and heat may cause damage to your hardwood floors. Damage to wood floors does not even have to be caused by water. Too much exposure to uv radiations from the sun can lighten your hardwood floors. In the summer if the relative humidity in your home is higher than the recommended maximum of 42 percent your floors and other woodwork will absorb moisture.
This is a completely natural process that usually doesn t threaten the integrity of your floors. Having your hardwood flooring professionally sanded and can help diminish visible cupping. To limit the effects of direct uv rays on your hardwood floors keep window curtains closed or redirect blinds at certain times of the day. Therefore keep the blinds closed or curtains to prevent the sun from directly striking your wood.
During warm and humid summers your hardwood floor will absorb moisture from the air swelling and expanding as a result. Hardwood is vulnerable to sun and humidity damage. Water vapor is enough to warp floorboards. However this process needs to be performed at the proper time.
Stains gaps buckling warping and mold are all water related or moisture related problems in flooring systems. Other than moisture issues during summer your wood floor can also discolor. However if your flooring was not properly installed or has not been appropriately maintained permanent and preventable damage may occur. A certain amount of hardwood floor cupping is to be expected during the summertime.
This expansion can create pressure between the boards which can cause the boards to warp cup or crack. Just as too much sun can damage your skin direct sunlight can easily damage your floor and cause unsightly fading and discoloration. Take precautionary measures to protect and maintain your hardwood floors in summer.