Ah, spring in Oklahoma—when the weather decides to throw everything it’s got at us. From severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to heavy rains, we’ve seen it all recently–and repeatedly. While our gardens and lawns may be throwing a party for this moisture-rich atmosphere, our hardwood floors are definitely not celebrating. We’re used to humidity this time of year, but this steady stream of storms has caused us to experience excessive humidity for an extended time. And that, believe it or not, can cause damage to your floors. Let’s talk about why it’s important to pay attention to humidity and what you can do to protect your floors,
Why the Fuss Over Humidity?
To understand why hardwood floors aren’t fans of humidity, we need to take a quick peek into the science of wood. Wood is hygroscopic, which, in layman’s terms, means it likes to play sponge with the moisture in its environment. Humid air makes the pores expand, and drier air makes them contract. Under normal conditions, your wood floors are flexible enough to adapt to these changes in moisture. But in the case of excessive humidity, wood floors can absorb too much moisture at once. As a result, the wood panels may expand, warp, and even buckle, none of which is good news for homeowners. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to significant structural damage over time, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
How to Protect Your Floors from Excessive Humidity
The good news here is that you don’t have to just watch your floors get damaged. There are several steps you can take to protect them at times like these. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Keep Windows Closed: It might be tempting to throw open the windows and invite that fresh, spring air inside, but doing so also invites humidity. Keep windows closed during particularly humid days.
- Keep Shades and Curtains Closed: Direct sunlight on your wood floors can heat them and cause them to absorb more moisture.
- Run Your Air Conditioning: Your A/C does more than cool down your home; it also removes moisture from the air, helping to control indoor humidity levels. For best results, keep your thermostat below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Invest in a Dehumidifier: In seasons like these, a dehumidifier can be a hardwood floor’s best friend. It removes excess moisture from the air, helping maintain a stable environment for your wood planks. (Bonus tip: If your dehumidifier doesn’t have a hygrometer to measure relative humidity, buy one. To protect your floors, keep indoor humidity at around 55 percent.)
- Use Fans to Improve Air Circulation: Fans can help move air throughout your home, preventing moisture from settling and giving your floors a bit of a breather.
By following these tips, you can create a safe environment for your hardwood floors, even when Oklahoma’s weather decides to go off-script. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in preserving the beauty and integrity of your wood flooring.
All that said, if the worst happens and your hardwood floors sustain moisture damage, the team at Renaissance can help. We’ve been serving the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas for decades, and we’re well aware of how the environment can wreak havoc on wood floors. For a complementary quote on hardwood flooring repair, refinishing, or replacement, contact us here.