Most of the time, the damage will fix itself. But you can only assume that the floor will stay like it is for the foreseeable future.
The glue in laminate flooring gets weaker when water evaporates. The glue is meant to hold the laminate planks together; if the glue breaks, the laminate planks may no longer stick together.
The wood floor will also be affected by moisture. The nails will come loose, and the floorboards will separate from the subfloor.
On the other hand, the floor can get better. You need to be careful when drying out the floor. The best way to do this is to have a professional look at the damage to ensure it doesn’t get worse.
Hardwood floor buckling in summer
More and more people are having problems with their hardwood floors collapsing in the summer. Why are they acting like this?
We all know that hardwood flooring comprises two main parts: the boards of wood and the glue that holds them together. The glue stretches and shrinks when hardwood floors get hot, separating the boards.
When the glue is used up, the boards start to move and crack. Cracks can be fixed or replaced, but most damage can’t be made right again.
The good news is that hardwood floors can handle moderate heat, unlike some other floor materials. To keep them looking nice, you can even sand and polish them.
But there’s a catch to this heat tolerance. If your hardwood floor is exposed to temperatures too high, it may start to buckle for good, and you might need to learn how to fix buckled wood floors.
This happens when your floor has been at 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for more than five days. This can happen, say when there is a heat wave.
If this is the case, you will have to replace the floor. Do-it-yourself repairs can sometimes work, but they often do more harm than good.
Putting hardwood floors in a room that isn’t heated is a great way to avoid this problem. For example, if you live where it doesn’t get hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, you can be sure that heat won’t hurt your floor.
Dehumidifier for wood floors
Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce problems with moisture, especially if you have mold or mildew. Since these organisms thrive in humid places, a dehumidifier will help keep the air in your home healthier and more comfortable.
But think about how a dehumidifier would affect your wood floors before you buy one. Dehumidifiers can be very useful, but you should always talk to a certified technician if you have an old wood floor or plan to install one soon.
A well-made dehumidifier can be a great way to improve the quality of your wood floor, but it’s important to know the risks.
You can get rid of moisture in your home with a dehumidifier, but what if the humidity is too high?
You’ll find that your home gets too hot quickly. This can hurt your carpet, furniture, electronics, and other things.
Only use a dehumidifier if the humidity in your home is more than 80%. A digital dehumidifier that is not too expensive will cost you about $150. It’s a quick and easy way to make your home less humid.
Will a dehumidifier help with floor cupping?
If your home has much humidity, you will have trouble. High humidity is not only uncomfortable, but it can also do much damage to your house’s structure.
For example, your wood flooring may become warped and cupped. When high humidity is high, mold is more likely to grow on walls, furniture, and other surfaces. All of these are bad things for your health.
You’ll most likely spend much time trying to keep the humidity in your home at a good level. You could even think about buying a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier to bring the room’s humidity level back to normal may be enough to fix minor cupping.
Use an electric fan to speed up the drying process after you’ve dried the area with a towel. Run a dehumidifier for at least 24 hours after that. If the bowing is small, the boards will often return to normal.
But if the damage is more serious, you can pay for a professional drying treatment to get your floor back to the way it was.
How long does it take for buckled floors to dry?
While waiting for the floor to dry appears straightforward, numerous factors influence how quickly this process occurs.
First, you should know that the moisture content determines the time it takes for the floor to dry.
Your wood floor’s moisture level will vary throughout the year and can change during the day. Where you live also makes a difference.
This could take weeks, months, or even an entire heating season. Sanding should be postponed until all moisture levels return to normal.
As a general rule, if there is a moisture content differential of 2% or more between the top and bottom sides of the flooring, it is not likely to be dry.