 | Roland Dalrymple has owned Quality Floor in Pittsburg/Frontenac for 15 years. He received his degree in Building Construction Tech at Pittsburg State and has been in the construction related field all his life. For more information or to reach Roland please call 620-231-2690.
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Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2011-11-18 10:35:52
Moisture problems in hardwood floors - series - part 2
Q: My husband and I are considering having wood floors installed in our home but having second thoughts because of the problem a friend is having with their wood floors. Can you tell me about moisture related problems in hardwood flooring and how to avoid or correct them?
A: Last month, we discussed how a large percentage of problems related to wood floors are due to moisture issues and two of the most common moisture related problems and their solutions. This month we will discuss two more.
Crowning
Crowing is another common issue. It occurs when the center of the flooring plank is high and the edges are low. One possible cause of this could be that the floor was sanded during the wrong time of the process. The more likely culprit however is moisture on the finished side of the floor.
To solve the problem, look for sources of water and correct them and remove the moisture from the air. Once the moisture is corrected, you should see the floor smooth out.
Buckling
Lastly, buckling, also called ballooning or tenting, is usually due to an extreme moisture problem. When the flooring buckles, the planks come away from the subflooring and often overlap one another. If the problem is spotted early enough a spot repair may be possible.
First, look for the source of water, which in the case of buckling should be very obvious. Once the water problem is corrected, have the damaged pieces removed and replaced.
Now having discussed some of the moisture problems, it is important to remember that it is possible to enjoy wood floors without experiencing any problems at all. When properly maintained, it is unlikely that a homeowner will not have any problems with wood floors and will be able to enjoy the warmth and beauty that wood floors add for years to come.
