What is an Acceptable Moisture Reading in a Hardwood Floor?
Hardwood flooring is one of the most sensitive flooring materials when it comes to moisture. It can easily be damaged if it gets too wet, so it’s important to take care to avoid this, especially when your home is experiencing a flood or a burst pipe. Hardwood floor should be checked for moisture levels before and after any water-related incident. Here are some tips on how to test the moisture content of your hardwood floor and what to do if it’s too high.
How to Test the Moisture Content of Your Hardwood Floor
The simplest way to test the moisture content of your hardwood floor is to use a moisture meter. These devices are available at most hardware stores and can be used to measure the moisture content of any material. After unboxing your moisture meter, follow the instruction manual and insert the probes into the hardwood floor. The meter will display the moisture content as a percentage.
If you don’t have a moisture meter, you can also test the moisture content of your hardwood floor using a plastic bag. Place a plastic bag over the area of the floor that you’re concerned about and tape it down. Wait for 24 hours. If there is any moisture in the floor, it will condense on the inside of the bag.
What to Do If the Moisture Content of Your Hardwood Floor Is Too High
If the moisture content of your hardwood floor is too high, there are a few things that you can do to dry it out. First, open the windows and doors to allow the air to circulate. You can also use a fan to help circulate the air. If the moisture content is very high, you may need to use a dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the air.
Once the moisture content of your hardwood floor has decreased, you can start to repair any damage that has been caused. If the floor has buckled or warped, you may need to replace the damaged boards.
Acceptable Moisture Reading
The ideal moisture content for hardwood flooring is between 6% and 9%. However, hardwood flooring can tolerate moisture content levels of up to 12% without being damaged. If the moisture content of your hardwood floor is above 12%, it is important to take steps to dry it out as soon as possible.