Moisture and Your Wood Floors

One of the biggest benefits of hardwood floors is their extremely long life. Nearly any well-maintained hardwood product can last hundreds of years. That said, wood has to be cared for. Among the biggest dangers to the integrity of hardwood flooring is moisture. Understanding the ramifications moisture has on timber will allow you to maintain your floors looking pristine during their lifetime.

How Wood Reacts and Why

It's well known that trees feature water whenever they are alive, but many don't realize that wood stores water after it is cut. Wood is hygroscopic, meaning that the fibers act like a sponge to absorb and release vapor into the surrounding atmosphere. Because of this, wood flooring, doors, cabinets, and furniture expand and contract because humidity levels rise and fall. If you've ever needed a door that sticks shut one day but shuts publicly the following, the reason is probably high levels of humidity. This motion is totally normal and happens together with wooden objects to your extent. .

Wood Species

 
Various species of wood are capable of retaining more water than others. Dimensional stability is the term frequently utilized to spell out just how much a given wood will expand and contract from ecological problems. Thought should be given to the relative humidity of your house climate when choosing a timber species. What is right for a home in Arizona may not be perfect for a house in Florida.

While a wood's density will generally provide you a reasonable idea of how stable it's going to be (with harder species offering greater equilibrium ), other factors affect this movement too. Qualities unique to the cells of a certain type of wood affect dimensional stability, as does the size of the plank. Quarter-sawn boards also typically experience less horizontal expansion compared to flat-sawn.

Understanding that the dimensional stability of wood species can allow you to make informed product decisions and help in future upkeep. (The U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a helpful matrix to assist calculate stability, clearly explained here.) It is very important to note, however, that no two pieces of wood will be the same. Accordingly, besides calculating the dimensional stability of wood materials prior to installation, care must be taken when installing those substances to stop undesirable side effects later.

Setup 

 A conscientious installer will acclimate wood to its optimum climate -- both the temperature and humidity levels where your home will typically be kept. It's ideal to conduct an air conditioner and keep up a steady temperature for four to five days before installation. Wood products should be unpacked and stacked within this space so that air can freely circulate around them.

 
When installing hardwood flooring, it's also important to make a gap across the ground's perimeter. This gap should correspond to a calculation of expansion and shrinkage, frequently half to three-quarters of an inch. This is normally covered with baseboard to hide it and also to stop debris and dust from collecting inside.

Problems

 
Poor planning, inadequate setup, and inadequate maintenance can lead to unsightly, moisture-related issues that will compromise the integrity of the floor. Some of the most common are as follows:

If a space is too tender, boards will separate to the stage that thin gaps will look between them. Even though a small amount of this is to be expected, gaps that are too big are unsightly. Additionally they become traps for debris and dust, making floors more challenging to wash. Furthermore, gapped flooring are less comfortable to walk on.

Cupping

If moisture levels are excessively large, cupping may occur. Wood boards become saturated and expand to their maximum capacity. Obviously, planks are fitted together tightly during installation. When they become completely saturated, the borders bend upward, creating a U-shape down the middle of the plank. (Especially, it is the width of the plank that contracts and expands most. Even though a similar problem referred to as"buckling" happens when flooring flake out lengthwise, this generally only results from major flooding.) Cupped flooring are quite noticeable and make an uneven surface. If left too long, cupping can permanently damage wood boards.

Crowning

 
Crowning occurs when flooring have cupped and, in a short-sighted attempt to correct this, the homeowner places down the upturned edges. While trimming is a workable option if long-term cupping has warped the planks, this must only be undertaken after humidity levels have been normalized. When floors are sanded prematurely, once the planks contract, the result can be plank borders that are lower than the centres. This, too, can make clearly uneven floors that are embarrassing to walk .

 Preventing Moisture Problems

 
Obviously, if your wood floors are already installed, you have no control over hardwood species or setup methods (unless you wish to eliminate them and start over). But there are steps you can take to prevent damage to your floors.

Responsible Upkeep

 
This may seem obvious, but maintain fluids off the flooring. When cleaning, don't wet mop. Use a broom or dry mop instead, dabbed with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner if necessary.

When spills occur, clean them as swiftly as possible. Don't allow water to stand. In the event of flooding or significant plumbing leaks, do not panic. While these may cause superficial damage, odds are they could be mended, given all water is removed immediately. Use fans to hasten the drying procedure. Consult a qualified timber professional if repairs are needed.

 Indoor Domestic Legislation

 
The easiest yet most effective measure you can take to preserve the integrity of this timber in your home is to regulate humidity and temperature levels. An excellent humidifier, dehumidifier, and air conditioner are modest investments which will help to prolong the life span of your floors almost forever.

The National Wood Flooring Association recommends that distances have been stored between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent. A moisture meter can be used to take normal measurements of the relative humidity of your area. (A handy set of guidelines can be found here.) Recording these measurements at regular periods will streamline the procedure for climate regulation.

Houses at risk for harm are such occupied only part of this year. If you are a snowbird or have a summer house, make sure you take action to make sure that the climate on your escape is correctly regulated. While this may add minimal expense in the short term, it will help maintain the integrity and value of your home for generations to come.

WHEN TO USE ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORS

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Benefits

Well, none of us may deny the charm and appeal of a hardwood flooring. Not only do they reek of luxury but they also increase the indelible allure of your houses.

Among different flooring options to pick from, engineered hardwood floors can really be an excellent idea. Some like engineered hardwood floors better than the wood flooring as they are easy to install and they're also relatively cheaper.


The best types of engineered hardwood floor will add value and warmth to your houses. In addition to that, they will also manage to retain the timeless look and feel of your abode. If you're wondering how this flooring option can be the best for you, here are a few reasons which can convince you to choose this flooring option.

What exactly is engineered hardwood flooring?

Unlike the traditional wooden flooring that come right out of a tree into your houses, the engineered hardwood is a bit more complex product with very many layers. While the surface is that of hardwood, the inner layers comprise of plywood, fiberboard and every other species of timber that you want. The inner layers make this product even more stable and strong than the conventional hardwood. At precisely the exact same time, the outermost layers include a classy and elegant appeal to the floor.

Reduces your moisture Issues

This is only one of the major reasons why you should opt for the engineered hardwood floors. These floors are particularly designed to decrease the moisture problems which are connected with the normal hardwood. The many layers utilized in creating this wood is intended to block the moisture and provide extra stability to your floor. Such flooring do not warp or perhaps swell, therefore turning out to be extremely low maintenance. The price of this flooring is another reason why you should go for it. Not only does it have fewer maintenance charges, but the initial cost of the floors can also be relatively less.

Collection of Ecological Benefits

This floor installation option is also environment-friendly as the process of producing this hardwood doesn't incorporate any conventional sawdust. This means, all of the trees' wood can be originally utilised in making this flooring system. On top of that, the trees used for making hardwood flooring take way more time to grow compared than the ones which are employed for making the engineered flooring.

Well, considering the advantages of engineered hardwood floors, it's indeed a great investment.

Go to www.northwestlondonfloorsanding.org.uk for the ideal assortment of engineered hardwood floors solutions.
If you would like a free quote for installing engineered hardwood floors in your home, give us a call at 020 3151 7590.

Basic Differences Between Unfinished vs. Prefinished Hardwood

Are you a homeowner exploring the various kinds of hardwood flooring installation? If so, you may be attempting to figure out whether to decide on prefinished boards or unfinished boards. This brief primer will explain both of these methods and assist you in making a more productive option.

Unfinished Hardwood Floors Setup -- The Fundamentals

Once the boards are on site, the installer should sand and finish them, dry and fix them, etc.. You can custom stain boards, fit them and do customized inlays together. Some types of woods are only available as unfinished planks.

Prefinished Hardwood Floors Installation -- The Basics

At the mill, employees apply a coat of stain and occasionally bevel the ends; they do all of the sanding and finishing work. Whereas unfinished boards are only available with square ends, prefinished boards could be diversely styled. They are normally quicker to install and generate less grit and dust -- good news, when you have small children or pets at home who might be sickened (or just inconvenienced) from the fumes generated by completing. The factory processes can make resilient, durable planks; and many products include extensive warranties.

Learn More About Hardwood Flooring Installation

Which choice is ideal for you? The team at FLOOR SANDING NORTH WEST LONDON can help you discover the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. Give us a call now at 020 3151 7590

Quick Tips For Wooden Floor Stain Removal

There are few things more annoying when you've just set up a new hardwood flooring than to find a blot. While major stains might require the intervention of a specialist, we'd like to share with you our Quick Tips for wooden floor stain removal.

Before outlining our fast tips for wooden flooring stain removal, it's well worth talking just a little bit about stain prevention! In order to help avoid stains on your solid or engineered hardwood flooring, ensure that your flooring has an proper finish because of its location in your home. Lacquered flooring are particularly hard wearing but have a tendency to get a bit of a"glow", so in the event that you want a more natural look, you might opt for an oiled flooring. In any event, making it your priority to check that the finish on your floor is in a good state of repair will allow you to prevent discoloration that is debatable.

Cleaning is also significant in preventing discoloration. It is crucial that you embrace a thorough and proper routine cleaning regime. Nevertheless, even just a fast vacuum and mopping using a damp mop after a week can lower the danger of ingrained staining of your flooring.

A additional suggestion to reduce the danger of damage and stains to the floor's finish would be to invest in a excellent doormat. A fantastic doormat can help eliminate the grit, dust and grime that would otherwise be attracted into your residence, then behaving as an abrasive onto your own flooring, damaging its surface and allowing stains to have a grip.

All that said, with all the best will in the world, a few spots simply can not be averted, so here is our fast tips for tackling a few of their most common hardwood flooring stains:

If your flooring suffers from a blood stain, from cut a wounded creature, the ideal treatment is chilly water. Try to wash up the stain as soon as possible after it has happened using a soft cloth soaked in cold water. Depending on the seriousness of the stain, you might have to apply some pressure, but you are going to find that this simple technique works extremely well.

If a person has spilt alcohol onto your wooden floor, our fast suggestion for it's removal is to use warm water that time, and also to present a mild detergent. Again, using a soft cloth, use a weak solution of mild detergent and you're going to find that the blot is readily removed. This fast tip also works for lipstick and fruit stains on your wooden floor.

If you spill grease or fat in the floor, the best way to tackle it is to cool the grease quickly using ice (in a bag) to reduce its own temperature, allowing it to solidify. Then, use a dull, rounded instrument to scratch off it.

Anyone with toddlers or small children in the home will love this quick tip for hardwood flooring stain removal. If your child has got a bit too enthusiastic with their crayons, a little dab of toothpaste onto a soft cloth should do the trick.

If you are seeking to get rid of shoe scuffs, our quick tip for this wooden floor stain would be to look no further than your child's pencil case! A rubber or eraser will work nicely.