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Acclimation of Hardwood Floors To The
Jobsite
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Tips for problem free installations. |
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Why some floors cup and others don't. |
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Gaps in winter months? |
Acclimation to the
installation environment for solid hardwood floors should never be
overlooked. While it's not as important for engineered products due to the
stability in the way they are constructed, solid products will expand and
contract considerably, given the right conditions.
Following are some basic guidelines for a problem free installation: before
during, and after.
- Solid flooring should be delivered to the
jobsite and allowed to acclimate to the conditions in which it will be
installed or near occupancy levels. Temperature and humidity should be
monitored.
- Delivery should be after major projects
have been completed and thoroughly dry, such as dry wall and masonry work.
Doors and windows must be in. Testing of wood subfloors should be
performed and not to exceed 12-14%
- Drainage- It's vital the grading should be
directed away from the home to prevent unnecessary moisture problems.
- Basements and crawl spaces need proper
ventilation. Polyethylene film of 6 mil in thickness must be used as a
proper vapor barrier.
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