Rain & Your Hardwood Flooring
California is finally getting some much needed rain! But what does this mean for your hardwood flooring? Moisture is a common adversary for wood floors, but the good news is you don’t need to let it halt your project.
Why is moisture bad for your wood floors? Excessive moisture will make your hardwood flooring expand, and then contract once it dries up. This process of expanding and contracting causes the boards to cup, crown, crack and buckle, all of which affect your floors’ longevity.
To make sure your hardwood flooring lasts, follow these 4 tips to keep it in tip-top shape.
4 Tips to Protect Wood Floors From Moisture
- Remove your shoes. This is one of the best ways to protect your wood floors from the elements. We’d also recommend putting durable floor mats at the front door as well as the back porch.
- Clean up right away. If rainwater does make it onto your hardwood flooring, wipe it up right away.
- Regulate. Adjust your home’s temperature and humidity based on industry standards to control the amount of moisture your wood floors are exposed to as much as possible.
- Invest in a moisture barrier. An important part of installation, this obstruction will shield your hardwood flooring from moisture below your home.
