While walking into your living room with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold December morning, you notice a gap between two planks of your hardwood floor. You know it is time to turn on the humidifier because the fluctuation of temperature with the changing of the seasons might be starting to affect your beautiful flooring.
So, does weather affect hardwood floors?
Yes, the changes in temperature and moisture levels that come with fluctuations in weather affect hardwood floors because of the expanding and contracting nature of wood.
The presence of or lack of moisture in your home directly affects your hardwood floor, and this changes due to season and weather conditions. Here are some factors to consider about hardwood floors and weather changes.
What Happens to Hardwood Floors in Cold Weather?
Because cold weather tends to have low humidity, hardwood floors may contract due to dryness. This could lead to cracks or gaps in the planks. Normal humidity levels should be between 35%-55% and can be controlled in the cold months by using a humidifier to add moisture to your home.
A small amount of contraction in hardwood is to be expected. It is the extreme temperature and moisture fluctuations that need to be controlled to prevent damage to planks.
The entrance ways may experience localized exposure to moisture brought in by shoes and boots. This can be controlled by putting mats both in and outside doors as well as placing shoe racks or holders next to entrances.
If water is brought in because of rain or snow, be sure to wipe it up immediately to prevent discoloration.
What Happens to Hardwood Floors in Hot Weather?
Warmer weather brings higher temperatures and can lead to greater humidity, which means more moisture. When hardwood floors have increased exposure to moisture, they expand. This can lead to warping or splitting if it happens too much over time. Designing rooms with room for this expansion will help accommodate temperature changes.
A standard room temperature for hardwood floors is 65-75 degrees. Humidity can be maintained in hot weather by using a dehumidifier to pull excess moisture from the air. Consistent air conditioning can also help keep the temperature and humidity from extreme fluctuation.
Just as in cool weather, hot months can bring extra water to your doorstep, so make sure wet towels or water shoes from pools or oceans are not left on your hardwood floors, which will soak up the water and chemicals.
Related Questions
Does Light Affect Hardwood Floors?
Direct and consistent exposure to sunlight will affect hardwood floors. Depending on the type of wood, it may either become lighter or darker over time. If this is not desirable, covering the exposed area with a rug is an option. Another form of prevention is installing window coverings to limit exposure.
Does the Type of Wood Affect Expansion and Contraction?
The type of wood, how thick the pieces are cut, and if the planks have been treated or stained are all factors that affect how the flooring reacts to moisture. Oak, maple, and cherry are a few of many common types that make great hardwood floors.
If you have recently uncovered a hardwood floor in your home and are unsure of what type of wood it is, contact a local flooring company to help with identification and to recommend how to best care for that type of wood.
Summary
Weather conditions cannot be controlled, but the moisture inside your home can be. By maintaining a humidity level between 35%-65%, you can keep the effects of expansion and contraction of your hardwood floors to a minimum. Consistent care will keep your floors durable and lovely for many years to come.
Cameron the Sandman wants you to keep your wood floors optimal year-round so they last a lifetime. However, as wood floors age there can be wear and tear or unexpected damage that is normal as well as out of you control. That’s where hardwood flooring services can help. Wood floor refinishing and restoration services can bring your wood floors back to life and gleaming. Call our wood floor installation team with questions or advice on how to maintain and care for your wood floors!