Protect wood flooring 'by balancing moisture'

Wood flooring can be protected by ensuring the moisture balance in a home is correct.

This is according to Washington Post columnist Jeanne Huber, who was recently queried by one reader who was having trouble with their wood floors unlocking and sliding.

Ms Huber responded with claims that the problem is likely to be an imbalance of moisture in the air.

She explained that, as with all timber products, wood flooring will contract and expand depending on the humidity in a home.

"The individual wood fibres move mostly in width, so if you had a traditional solid-wood floor, you'd see gaps along the sides of boards," said Ms Huber.

She went on to advise the reader to invest in both a humidifier and an air conditioner, which would ensure the house's moisture is balanced in winter and summer respectively.

The Vancouver Sun recently noted that moisture-resistant finishes can bring several benefits to wood floors.

By David Steel
 

Date : 11/03/2011
Category: Flooring home improvement news