Seasonal Changes and Your Hardwood Floors

If you live in an area that experiences seasonal changes, you know first hand the effects it can cause. One effect you may not think of is what can happen to your floors when moisture changes between seasons.

With the weather getting cooler, interior humidity levels can drop. This can cause your hardwood floor planks to shrink, causing gaps. But don’t get scared just yet- we’re here to help. Read on about the precautionary measures you can take to minimize the effects of winter’s cooler weather:

Picking wood that minimizes gapping

If you have yet to install hardwood floors in your home or are looking to have them redone, we recommend a slimmer, more narrow board that will shrink less in the dry, winter months than a wider board. The type of wood also matters; certain wood species act differently with moisture contents. For example, Oak, which is more stable, will shrink less with seasonal changes in moisture. We recommend researching or talking to a hardwood floor expert about which flooring is best for your home. However, do not let moisture content scare you away from choosing a wood floor that you desire. 

If you know you live in an area that has seasonal changes, you can take preventative measures before gaps in your floors could occur. 

Keep moisture in your home consistent

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can keep moisture in your home consistent to prevent gapping in the winter. Since it is getting cooler outside, you probably are not using the AC anymore or keeping windows open, which is good! This prevents too much cold or dry air from coming into your home and drying your floors.

Closing the windows and allowing the air in your home to circulate can help build up moisture content in your home. Your daily activities such as showering, cooking, or boiling water will help to keep moisture consistent inside your home.

Another way to keep the consistency of moisture in your home is with a humidifier, as opposed to the use of exhaust fans or dehumidifiers in the warmer months.

Seasons change, but you don’t want your floors to. Our team here at Signature Hardwood Floors is ready to help you keep your floors looking brand new all year long. Contact us for any questions, and a FREE ESTIMATE. You can call us at 410.415.0755 or click here today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!