Hardwood Flooring and Humidity

It’s summertime and humidity levels are on the rise! Be sure to monitor the humidity in your home as excessive amounts can cause swelling in hardwood flooring.

If you have hardwood floors, you must maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35%-55% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood. And in South Louisiana (Baton Rouge, New Orleans and surrounding areas), this is CRUCIAL.

Here are some tips for winter and summer months:

• Non-heating season (wet): Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of increment weather. An air conditioner or dehumidifier can maintain humidity during summer months.
• Heating season (dry): Wood-stove, gas and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions. A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinking due to low humidity.

Check out Shaw Floors hardwood care page to see more tips!