When conditions are too dry for your hardwood flooring, there are various problems that can arise.
Hardwood flooring is known for how durable and beautiful it is, not to mention the seemingly timeless appeal that it offers. With that said, these floors do require regular maintenance in order to retain this appeal. One of the threats to your hardwood floor is highly-dry conditions. When conditions are too dry for your hardwood flooring, there are various problems that can arise.
Shrinking and Floor Gaps
One of the more common problems that stems from excessively dry conditions is that wooden floor boards can begin to shrink. This is because of wood’s property of absorbing and releasing moisture, based on the nearby humidity levels in the air. When the air becomes too dry, your floor boards will lose moisture. Without moisture, your hardwood flooring will shrink.
The shrinking of your floor boards will create gaps in your floor. These gaps are not only unsightly, but they also present the potential of compromising your floor’s structural integrity.
Brittle and Cracking Floor Boards
Shrinking isn’t the only problem that arises from dry floor boards; the floor boards will also become brittle and be prone to cracking. When your hardwood flooring starts to crack, it can make your floor look less appealing. On top of that, the cracks in your floor can become tripping hazards, making your floor more dangerous.
Creaky and Loosening Floor Boards
Dry conditions can also make your hardwood flooring loosen up near fasteners and nails. Because wooden floor boards contract in dry environments, your floor boards won’t fit as securely around these fasteners and nails anymore. This means that the floor boards could start moving around as you walk on them.
You may start to hear creaking sounds when you walk on your floor. Not only is this bothersome to hear, but it’s also a sign that your floor might need repairs.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.