Signs of Moisture in Hardwood Flooring

A beautiful wood floor is often the centerpiece of a home. It takes up more surface space than almost any other feature. A flawless floor can significantly add to the value of the house. Hardwood floors are one of the most sought after features in Toronto. One of the biggest enemies of this type of flooring is moisture. If your hardwood floor starts to show signs of water damage, it is important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. The following are the signs of moisture in hardwood flooring.

Cupping

Moisture damage is often clearly visible to the eye. One sign of a water problem is cupping. Cupping takes place when the edges of the board are higher than the center. When moisture causes the wood to expand, the boards compress together. This can damage and deform the edges of the boards. It most frequently takes place when moisture is absorbed from below the boards. You can check for cupping by looking across the floor against the light.

Crowning

Crowning is diagnosed when the center of an individual hardwood flooring board is higher than the edges. It is essentially the opposite of cupping. This can take place when corrective measures for cupping are improperly performed. It can also occur due to moisture exposure.

Cracking

Cracks can sometimes appear between the boards of the hardwood floor. When the moisture content in the wood changes, the materials expand and contract. Contraction causes cracks to appear. Cracks can range from mild to severe gaps.

Buckling

Buckling is the most severe form of moisture damage in a hardwood floor. It takes place when the flooring completely pulls up from the subfloor. Buckling can occur in a single area or all throughout the wood floor. It often requires extensive repair by a professional.

Severe Damage

Damage can occur with all types of hardwood flooring. Consumers in Toronto should be aware that even engineered hardwood flooring can be damaged by moisture. The most severe forms of moisture damage take place as a result of standing water. Flooding is the typical culprit. However, even a major spill that is not promptly attended to can cause significant problems. Damage can also occur when the flooring is not properly installed. If the floor planks are not dry at installation the excess moisture will cause problems. This can also occur when the sub floor is too wet. Once the floor has been installed the damage has been done. That is why it is essential to look for an expert skilled at hardwood flooring installation in Toronto.

Minor Damage

Minor damage takes place due to the ambient conditions in the household. Changes in humidity will have an impact on the amount of moisture that is absorbed by the floor. Expansion and contraction occurs as the weather changes throughout the year. Most seasonal changes to your hardwood flooring in Toronto are only temporary. It is easy to minimize the damage by regulating the amount of moisture in the air.

Canada’s premier hardwood flooring store. Proudly selling Hardwood Flooring in Toronto since 1977. We have hardwood, laminates, engineered, and exotic flooring; we also provide hardwood flooring installation.

Canada's premier hardwood flooring store. Proudly selling Hardwood Flooring in Toronto since 1977. We have hardwood, laminates, engineered, and exotic flooring; we also provide hardwood flooring ins