Engineered wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in our industry for many reasons. If you want wider planks, unique color options, etc. you might go with an engineered hardwood floor; but you still need to care for it like a traditional floor. Humidity and HVAC systems are very important to have in your home for more reasons than just your flooring. The engineered hardwood floors do need moisture and they do need temperature control to continue looking how they did when first installed.

Most engineered flooring manufacturers require a certain humidity and temperature range in the home for their warranty to be valid. One of Summit’s lines, Appalachian Hardwood Flooring, requires the following, “The humidity level must be kept at a normalized level (between 35% and 55%). This can be easily accomplished through the use of an appropriate ventilation and humidification system or dehumidification system”. Minnesota winters are brutally dry, utilizing a humidifier in the winter is crucial to keep your home within those ranges.

Your engineered floors can gap, crack, end check, and splinter if the humidity drops below the recommended range for too long. If you start to notice gapping in your floor, it may be too late. It is always wise to keep a humidity gauge in your home to ensure the humidity is staying consistent. If your home is below 35% humidity for too long, this will happen.

As you can see, HVAC and humidity plays a big part in keeping your floors looking new. It is ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure their home is staying within ranges and that their floor is cared for properly. Flooring professionals need to inform and educate good care taking tips throughout the whole process, in turn, making the homeowner sort of a professional when it comes to care and maintenance of their new flooring. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is a good resource when questions arise, do not hesitate to reach out and get your questions answered.

WRITTEN BY CAMPBELL WESTRUM