Having wood floors in your home can be a great addition. Not only does it add a timeless look to your home that never goes out of style, it also adds value, making it a sound investment that can last for years under the proper maintenance and care.
However, the elements can have an effect on your wood floors. At Rees Powell Custom Floors, we’re here to share some insights on how seasons affect your wood floors.
Wood Floors in Winter
While winter can be known for its wetness due to the snow and storms, it’s low humidity, which results in humidity loss with your wood floors. During the frigid winter months, your wood floors will become dry (aside from any moisture brought in from the outside). The dryness can cause the wood floors to contract.
Cracking and splitting can also occur during the dryer seasons. Severe dryness can cause the wood to become brittle, causing cracks and splits. A good way to avoid these issues in the winter is to enlist the help of a humidifier.
The Spring Season
As the snow thaws and the flowers begin to bloom, humidity will rise in the air. The humidity is generally lower until the onset of summer, but the wood will absorb the humidity and could lead the boards to expand. However, these issues are more common in the more humid summer months than in spring.
Summer Wood Floor Changes
Because summer is known for humidity, especially in July and August, your wood floors will absorb even more humidity. This can lead to them expanding further, which could result in the planks swelling, or even cupping.
If the humidity fluctuates drastically, it could result in the wood becoming dryer. The wood can potentially contract, which would cause gapping. This issue is unavoidable, but consulting the help of a wood floor professional can help you resolve or mitigate these issues. However, this is the best time to have wood floors installed because they’ll constrict in the cooler seasons.
Enjoy the Fall
Fall is typically a time where the temperature regulates from warm days to cooler nights, until later in the season when the temperature is usually brisk. This is the best time for wood floors as there’s no sudden increase or decrease in humidity, so there’s no drastic changes or issues to deal with.
But while fall is a relatively calm season for wood floors, it’s also the right time to get any refinishing services performed. Because the wood is more consistent during this season, you’ll get a smoother finish that will last for years.
Get Wood Floor Assistance Throughout the Seasons
No matter what time of year, Rees Powell Custom Floors is here to help you maintain your wood floors properly so that they can last for countless seasons. Whether you notice contracting boards, cracking, swelling, or cupping, rest assured that we can diagnose the issue and provide the necessary maintenance to bring your wood floors back to their original condition.
If you notice any of these seasonal issues or you’re in need of wood floor services, contact us at Rees Powell Custom Floors today!