Welcome back to the next part of the hardwood vs. moisture series from Landmark Interiors. If you’ve already read Round 1, then you know that safe storage and careful preparation is the key to pre-installation.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can keep that careful planning and attention to detail going during hardwood flooring installation.
Testing, Testing
The first thing you should do to set yourself up for a successful installation is to check for moisture. While you’ve likely already done this during the pre-installation phase, moisture is a constant threat to the style and structural integrity of wood flooring.
When working with wood, a moisture meter is a contractor’s best friend throughout the installation process.
The Wagner Orion 950 is an excellent option; however, several Wagner meters will also provide you with the accurate readings you’ll need.
Consider External Factors
There are many factors that can affect the moisture levels in a building. That’s why you should continue testing throughout the installation process.
Whether you’re working in the humid summer or experiencing heavy rain, the conditions present during the initial consultation can change dramatically.
Additional work or projects in the home can cause moisture levels to change. For example, if the homeowner needs to have a new concrete slab installed and there’s been wet weather recently, this could result in moisture levels shooting up to 9.5% moisture content (MC).
Even replacing a tub or shower fixture in another room could change the amount of moisture somewhere else in the home. So, it’s not only smart but necessary to get updated readings as often as possible.
Be Flexible With Installation Methods
On top of checking moisture levels regularly, you should be prepared to adjust your installation process based on where you’re working.
Have you ever noticed the top floor of a home can sometimes feel hot and muggy, while the basement’s cool and musty? This is because the humidity levels vary from floor to floor.
To accommodate for these differences, and design homes up to engineering code, you’ll usually find different types of subfloors on each level. As a result, the way you install the planks will vary from floor to floor as well.
For instance, in a basement, contractors should glue flooring to the concrete subfloor. On the other hand, flooring can float on the first floor and be stapled or nailed down on the top floor. This is to account for the way moisture makes flooring expand and contract throughout the year.
A couple of versatile flooring options that can work in all three spaces are City of Oaks and Country Oaks. These engineered hardwood collections can be installed in all three spaces.
Whether you nail, float, or glue them down, these engineered hardwood collections will look just as good as natural hardwood. Not only this but they’re built to last, with an anti-scratch coating.
Plus, they’re FloorScore® certified, so you can be confident they aren’t made with any harmful chemicals and won’t impact the home’s air quality.
Account For Moisture Throughout Installation
Monitoring moisture levels and knowing the best way to install flooring on specific subfloors is an integral part of putting in new planks.
If you have any questions about the ongoing battle between hardwood vs. moisture, contact Landmark Interiors or stay tuned for the conclusion of our three-part series.
Ready for the third and final round of Hardwood vs Moisture? Check out Hardwood vs Moisture Round 3: After Installation here!