Brisbane weather is reaching its driest form this part of the year. Dry air during winter persists from July to September. You might observe changes in your timber floors with gaps between the hardwood floor boards. This phenomenon happens due to changes in the relative humidity in your home.
Let’s discuss the reason for the change in the flooring pattern during dry weather and its causes:
Relative Humidity Impact On Timber Floors
Relative humidity refers to the moisture present in the air. High relative humidity reflects a high moisture level, while low indicates dry air. This low humidity causes the wood grains in the floorboards to lose moisture. This moisture loss from the wood shrinks the floorboards and forms gaps between the floorboards.
Effects Of Dry Weather On Timber Floor
Dry weather damages the floorboards in two ways:
- Structural changes
Changes in the internal structure of the wooden floors occur due to their low moisture content. In a dry atmosphere, wood grain loses moisture and shrinks the floorboards. The loss of moisture (due to low relative humidity) results in cupping and warping of the timber at various spots on the floor.
- Physical effects
In addition to warping and cupping(cup-shaped eruptions that result as the edges of the floorboards shrink), cracks and gaps also form on the timber floor. The splits and cracks appear within the floorboard while the gaps form between the boards.
Ways To Protect Timber Floors In Brisbane’s Dry Weather
By adopting preventive measures and strategies, you can tackle timber floor problems in Brisbane’s dry weather.
- Use humidifiers
Controlling indoor humidity levels impacts the well-being of hardwood floors. Avoid opening the windows in the afternoons, as dry air blowing inside the house lowers the moisture content of the floors and the humidity levels. Install humidifiers in your rooms to maintain the humidity levels.
- Regular maintenance
Regularly clean the floor with a broom to remove dust, followed by mopping with a damp mop to keep the optimum moisture content.
- Air ventilation
Allow air to enter the house in the evening and at night when the air is cool. Proper air ventilation will maintain the optimum humidity level. You can also place water bowls inside and outside the house to improve air quality.
- Sanding and polishing
Sanding and polishing the floor with a professional sander in Brisbane can revitalize your floors. Sanding removes the damaged top layer, and polishing gives added protection from harsh environments.
- Inspect regularly
Watching out your floors keeps you aware of the changes in the floorboards. If minor gaps or cracks appear on the boards, it indicates a disturbance in the moisture content of the timber. Keep track of the moisture content by using a moisture meter.
Why hire a professional floor sander?
Many people in Brisbane believe in DIY techniques to care for hardwood floors. These techniques are not always successful and cost you valuable time and money. A professional floor sander can assess and analyze your flooring demands expertly.
The Budget Floor sanding team in Brisbane has the required knowledge and experience in the sanding and polishing business. We use the correct techniques and tools to care for your floors according to the problem. Our dust containment system allows us to work without damaging your valuable items and ensure a clean working environment.
