Hardwood Floors February/March 2024

AT THE SITE

COMBATTING HIGH MOISTURE FOR INSTALLATIONS OVER WOOD SUBSTRATES

Although most wood subfloors can withstand a slight degree of moisture fluctuation, avoiding long periods of exposure and properly preparing the subfloor is the first critical step for the long-term protection of an installation. While concrete slabs are known to emit moisture vapor via small capillary networks, wood materials will more commonly soak up moisture from surrounding sources. It’s therefore key to protect the substrate from these sources while also establishing a proper surface on which other materials can later be applied properly.

In the United States alone, moisture-related damage to flooring has caused upwards of one billion dollars to be lost on claims. Installations of wood flooring over wood subfloors can be particularly susceptible to moisture problems. A variety of negative effects resulting from unmitigated moisture could manifest immediately, or take weeks, or months following the installation to appear. Common indications include discoloration, warping, cupping, and rotting of subflooring and flooring planks. Mold, mildew, or bacteria also may result from a high moisture presence and present health hazards. To avoid these kinds of costly and hazardous scenarios, it’s strongly recommended to use professional-grade moisture retarding systems to protect the wood flooring from being adversely affected by moisture stemming from below the subfloor assembly.

60 hardwood floors hardwoodfloorsmag.com