Since 1871, Dugan's has been serving Mid-Missouri communities with unmatched flooring expertise. From our humble beginnings in Sedalia to our current showrooms across Sedalia, Laurie, Osage Beach, and Bolivar, we've maintained our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service through seven generations of family management.
Understanding humidity's influence on wood floors
Wood's natural relationship with moisture makes it particularly susceptible to humidity changes. As living spaces transition through seasons, wood flooring responds to these environmental shifts in ways that can affect both its appearance and structural integrity.
How moisture affects wood flooring
Wood naturally expands and contracts as it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. During humid summers, wood floors absorb excess moisture and expand. Conversely, in dry winter months when heating systems run constantly, wood releases moisture and contracts. These seasonal changes can lead to several issues:
- Cupping: Edges of boards rise higher than their centers due to moisture absorption from high humidity
- Crowning: Center of boards rise higher than their edges, often resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive moisture
- Gaps between boards: Appear during dry seasons as wood contracts
- Buckling: Severe lifting of boards from the subfloor, typically caused by exposure to extreme moisture levels
Different wood types and their moisture sensitivity
Not all wood flooring responds to humidity in the same way. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right flooring for your specific environment:
- Solid hardwood: Most sensitive to humidity changes, requiring careful moisture management
- Engineered wood: More stable due to its layered construction, making it better suited for areas with variable humidity
- Exotic hardwoods: Often more dense and less prone to moisture absorption, but may still require specific humidity controls
Preventive measures and maintenance
Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for wood floor longevity. The ideal relative humidity range for wood flooring typically falls between 35% and 55%. Here are essential strategies for protecting your investment:
- Use climate control systems consistently throughout the year to maintain stable humidity levels
- Install humidity monitoring devices in rooms with wood flooring to track environmental conditions
- Consider using humidifiers during winter months and dehumidifiers during summer to maintain optimal moisture levels
Professional installation matters
Professional installation plays a crucial role in how well wood flooring handles humidity changes. Proper installation includes:
- Accurate moisture testing of both the subfloor and wood flooring materials
- Correct underlayment selection and installation
- Appropriate acclimation period for the wood flooring materials
Regional considerations for Mid-Missouri
Missouri's climate presents unique challenges for wood flooring, with humid summers and dry winters. Understanding these regional factors helps in both selection and maintenance of wood flooring that will perform well in our specific climate conditions.
Making informed flooring decisions
Knowledge about humidity's effects on wood flooring helps homeowners make better choices for their specific situations. Consider factors like your home's typical humidity levels, your climate control capabilities, and your lifestyle when selecting wood flooring.
Experience the difference proper installation makes
With showrooms in Sedalia, Laurie, Osage Beach, and Bolivar, MO, Dugan's provides expert installation services throughout Mid-Missouri, including Osage Beach, Laurie, Sedalia, Bolivar, and Springfield. Our seven generations of experience ensure your wood flooring is installed with the expertise needed to withstand our region's unique humidity challenges. Contact us to discover the perfect wood flooring solution for your home.
