Moisture Testing

Solid wood flooring is a wonderful addition to your home. It can give each room a character that any other flooring type cannot, whether that is carpet or stone flagging. In fact, it can make your home so beautiful by trapping natural light that you will wonder why you ever put up with other flooring for so long. However, before it is fitted in your home, there are steps you need to take to ensure that your solid wood flooring is in optimum condition when it is installed.

Moisture testing is of paramount importance before the solid wood flooring is fitted in your home because moisture levels, humidity and temperature can affect the overall look and conditioning. As such, moisture testing will matter more than how you fit your flooring. If not done properly, it could affect the success of your flooring in terms of achieving the look you want and need.

You should keep an eye on your solid wood flooring before you install it because it is entirely possible that your flooring could contract or expand in the weeks and months that follow it arriving at your home. The natural environment of your home will affect wood as it is affected by it in the wood’s natural environment. As a result of that, you should acclimatize the solid wood flooring before it is installed and then do your absolute best to maintain a consistent humidity and temperature in your home.

It is not difficult to test your moisture levels before installing your solid wood flooring. Professional installers have the equipment to be able to do it for you but you can purchase moisture testing kits from DIY stores that can do the same job for you. Alternatively purchase polyfilm and duct tape to conduct your own moisture testing on your concrete subfloors. Just cut several small pieces of polyfilm and place it on several areas in the room that you plan to use solid wood flooring. Seal the edges with the duct tape and leave it there for 24 to 48 hours. If there is condensation under the polyfilm after that time then you should seek professional help for your flooring before laying your solid wood flooring.