Hardwood Floors Oct/Nov 2019

AT THE SITE

Interior Climate considerations

Interior climate capabilities of the facility include type and functionality of the HVAC systems, humidification/ dehumidification systems, interior and exterior insulation, and methods of construction. The methods of construction differ across the world, based on many variables. One of the largest variables involves the average outdoor temperature and humidity, and how it varies from region to region. Across every region, wood floors can successfully be installed; however, all wood floors cannot be installed in the same manner in all climates.

The ideal average moisture content for wood flooring can range from extremes of 4%MC up to 13%MC, depending on many variables, including geographic location and time of year. Additionally, a wide range of conditions can be experienced between individual homes in the same locale. The individual who specifies the wood floor for a project should ensure that all jobsite conditions are capable of meeting or exceeding the minimum standards and requirements of the flooring being used. This floor selection decision may involve a builder or designer, or a flooring sales associate, or even the homeowner.

Wood flooring is constantly exposed to both long-term (seasonal) and short-term (daily) fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. Thus, it is always undergoing at least slight changes in moisture content.

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