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How Weather Can Affect Your Hardwood Floors
Linda McDonald • December 15, 2020
Winter Weather Care For Your Hardwood Floors
Will Rogers said, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute and it’ll change.”
And it has—from a crushing ice storm in late October, to 65-degrees and sunshine on Thanksgiving Day. Anyone dealing with Oklahoma’s erratic weather this winter might take some advice from the storied Geronimo: “Be ready for anything. Be prepared for nothing.”
During 2020 people have spent a lot more time in their homes, working through teleconferences and Zoom, limiting their outings, and distance learning through high tech screens. Now that winter is almost officially upon us, home furnaces will be running longer, and the fireplace will be burning a lot at night as people go out less often. Winter promises to be a challenge for everyone, and not the least for your hardwood floors.
Wood does not like all that extra dry heat. Hardwood flooring is a product of nature, and it responds to how much moisture or dryness is in the air. Even though the wood has been dried, cut, and processed into flooring material, it will still expand or contract depending on the amount of moisture in the environment.
During dry winter weather, hardwood flooring may contract and even show tiny gaps between the individual planks. This shrinkage begins when the room has 25% humidity or lower. Seasonal gaps that appear between the boards are more prominent with solid wood flooring products than with engineered floors. The engineered wood’s structural composition allows it to be more dimensionally stable than solid wood flooring.
It is only the floor’s abnormal gaps, those that remain after a seasonal change, that are of concern. These should not be confused with normal, seasonal gaps, which take care of themselves. Once the interior heating systems are turned off and the indoor environment regains moisture, most gaps will disappear. When summer days arrive with warmer, humid weather, hardwood floors will expand and swell. This usually begins when the humidity goes above 55%.
Luckily, it is not difficult to maintain consistent relative humidity levels throughout the year. The owner is in control, and their hardwood floors will stay healthy with a little, thoughtful maintenance.
For those cold, dry months, a humidifier can be brought into the room. Movable humidifiers are affordable and do a good job. Individual ones can be used in different rooms, or a large console unit (holding around nine gallons of water) can treat up to 2500 square feet (the size of a small house). A three-gallon unit, for example, can treat up to 800 square feet.
Many of the larger movable units come with their own hygrometers, a gauge that measures the exact humidity. Or, individual hygrometers are small, inexpensive, and can be placed in different rooms.
A humidifier can also be installed in the existing furnace. This operation runs through the house vents and can easily be professionally installed. Many owners, especially those who are handy around the home, like to install the units themselves (Instructions and films are available on YouTube and elsewhere).
These types of humidifiers cost more initially but last for years and are cost effective. Once the weather starts to warm up for springtime, the heating is turned down and humidity levels will naturally rise. Then any seasonal gaps in your hardwood flooring material will close on their own.
There are also economic and health bonuses in using humidifiers.
1. Raising the humidity makes air feel warmer, so the thermostat canbe turned down for energy savings.2. Physicians often recommend humidifiers to guard against dry skin, hair, and scratchy throats.3. House plants will love them.
In extremely humid areas, dehumidifiers may be used to avoid too much moisture in the air. If the humidity level is consistently over 50%, dehumidifiers help avoid excessive swelling in a hardwood floor. As with humidifiers, they come in all sizes, from units that will service a large basement to those intended for small storage spaces.
Oklahoma is slightly above average humidity, with an overall 54.4%. The average monthly relative humidity ranges from 48% in August to 62% in January. To keep your hardwood floors from struggling against excessive humidity or dryness, maintain a consistent relative humidity level of 30-50% throughout the year.
At Temple Johnson customers are considered family, with a commitment that goes beyond just installing beautiful floors. If seasonal issues arise, their hardwood floor specialists welcome the opportunity to assist with any maintenance problems.
Upgrade your home with the timeless beauty and durability of hardwood flooring installation in Oklahoma City, OK. Learn about the top benefits and why it's a smart investment for homeowners.
Worried about your family's furriest member scratching up your wood flooring? Don't fret! Beyond the fact that all of us at Temple Johnson simply love dogs & cats, we also extend that passion to the wood flooring that they and the rest of your family live on. Although there isn’t any one specific way to curb the scratching that your furry friends can and will inevitably inflict upon your wood flooring, we’ve provided some tips and small strategies that can actually help keep your floor looking nice!
This is a wonderful write-up on 12 different common household situations that can very well lead to the degradation and destruction of your home's hardwood flooring, and the article was written originally by Mark Melendres of Home Decor Bliss, and the link to the article itself can be found at the bottom of this page! 
A beautifully stained hardwood floor grabs our senses in the same way an extraordinary painting does. The artist’s subject, color choices and perspective pull us in for a closer examination. When studying handsome hardwood floor designs, our eyes are entertained the same way. We are fascinated by the way the light reflects different shades and even a sense of movement in the wood grain. The appeal of the room is enriched not only by the chosen hue of the stain but also the particular species of the wood flooring. All the customer’s personal preferences act together to form the impression they want the floor to make. Just as a painter juggles the elements of a canvas—the subject, size, tone, and effect—stain color choices start with the aesthetics of the owner/creator. Plenty of us “know what we like” and are ready to jump in on our own. And why not? Examples of wood floors are plentiful for us to check out. Websites like Pinterest, or hardwood flooring company’s sites offer inspiring examples that may be just what you are looking for. However, most people would rather have an experienced studio artist paint their portrait. Why not use a hardwood floor specialist as “a guide by your side” through the entire process? Temple Johnson Flooring, a century-old, family-owned business that has treated clients like family for decades, is the perfect place to find this support. Owners Bryan Jones and Matt Sparks are hardwood floor specialists who represent decades of experience. They have the talent to listen to what you want and make it happen.
The real world demands a lot of people’s time today. We’re asked to fill out endless questionnaires, for instance, before every doctor’s appointment. Ask yourself: how long did you have to sit on hold to speak to a real person at a corporation? It sometimes seems unreal, the red tape people are subjected to today. What may be surprising, and also real, is that a huge project such as buying engineered hardwood flooring today is simpler and more cost effective than ever. It’s amazing how many expenses have been removed from the process. In most cases it costs less than traditional hardwood flooring, but is also easier to install, so complex scheduling over several weeks has become a headache of the past. One common misconception about engineered flooring is that when people hear the term, they assume it is a man-made veneer, not real wood. At Temple Johnson Floor, after clients see the engineered showroom samples, owners Bryan Jones and Matt Sparks are always asked the same question. “Is that real wood?” And their answer is always, “It absolutely is.” Engineers and flooring specialists have come up with an ingenious new way to craft real wood floors. It is here and growing larger every day. For reference, traditional wood floors are solid hardwood planks installed over plywood decking, then sanded and stained on the job site. Traditional floors require more procedures that all have to be coordinated with the client and other workers on the premises (painters, electricians, for example). Engineered floors are constructed using several layers of real wood, which is uniquely configured. On top sits the real hardwood veneer, firmly supported by ¼” layers of crisscrossed different species of wood. It is available finished or unfinished.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of someone that was integral to Temple Johnson Floor Company, Jerry Sparks. As a family owned-and-operated company, this was a heavy blow. We would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the innumerable amount of people that he touched the lives of through his work here at Temple Johnson, and the flooring industry in general, customer or otherwise. While his servant’s heart led Jerry’s life, he also led by example with his hands, accomplishing a profound amount as a small business owner and as an inspiration to others through his hard work. Upon purchasing the company in 1978 from Pauline Johnson & Jimmy Martin, Jerry owned and operated Temple Johnson Flooring Company from 1979 to 1992. He then sold the business to his brother-in-law and promptly started his own home-building business, Chance Matthew Homes, named after his sons.
Hardwood flooring is enjoying a popular resurgence in Herringbone, a familiar and ancient pattern. The design gets its name from the delicate skeletal structure of herring. The fish’s bones slant in a V-shape pattern as they spread away from the spine. This is a fantastic example of the general structure we're talking about here:
Are you looking to upgrade the aesthetics of your home while adding a touch of elegance and warmth? Look no further than Temple Johnson Flooring here in Oklahoma City! We are thrilled to present our exceptional collection of hardwood flooring options to help you elevate the beauty of your living spaces to new heights. With our extensive range of high-quality hardwood materials and professional installation services, we are committed to helping you achieve the home of your dreams. Let's dive into the captivating world of hardwood flooring and explore why it is the ideal choice for homeowners seeking sophistication and durability. There's a reason why hardwood flooring has remained a timeless classic since the advent of human history. Its natural beauty and warm tones bring a sense of vibrancy and luxury to any room. We accomplish this with the help of a wide variety of wood species, grains, and finishes offered here at Temple Johnson, which in turn affords you the ability to choose a style that perfectly complements your interior design preferences and goals. From the rich, traditional hues of oak to the exotic allure of Brazilian cherry, all of our hardwood flooring options will create an ambiance that reflects your unique personality and tastes, and ultimately enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Wood flooring has brawn to back up all that beauty, as well! Investing in hardwood flooring means investing in longevity. With proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors can withstand the test of time, maintaining their beauty and structural integrity for decades on end. Our hand-selected wood flooring brands that we've partnered with are crafted using the finest materials and expert craftsmanship, ensuring durability and longevity. Whether you have a busy household with kids and pets or you simply want flooring that can withstand daily wear and tear, our hardwood floors are designed to stand up to the challenges of essentially any lifestyle. With all of that in mind, it becomes quite clear that one of the greatest advantages of hardwood flooring is its versatility. It effortlessly complements a wide range of interior styles, from traditional to modern and everything in between. The rich undertones and different tones brought out by simply changing the wood floor stain can help it remain adaptable to your interior design changes over a lifetime. Because of this, here at Temple Johnson we offer an extensive selection of finishes, stains, and plank sizes to cater to your individuality and creative preferences for your home. Whether you desire a rustic farmhouse look, a sleek and modern contemporary vibe, or a timeless traditional feel, our hardwood flooring options can be customized to match your vision. Keeping your hardwood floors looking pristine is surprisingly simple! Regular sweeping and occasional gentle mopping with Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is all it really takes to maintain their natural luster. A recent EPA study also found that hardwood floors greatly reduce the accumulation of toxins. Unlike carpet that trap dust, allergens, and pet dander, hardwood floors are hypoallergenic and contribute to improved indoor air quality, and in a state like ours with allergens abound, this increased air quality is truly a life-changer for many of us. With hardwood flooring from Temple Johnson Flooring, you can enjoy a cleaner and healthier living environment, perfect for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
French Parquet wood flooring was originally designed to replace historic estates’ stone and marble floors. Those rigid surfaces eventually wreaked havoc on the mansions’ enormous wood frameworks. Parquet wooden floors, on the other hand, built using 3’ x 3’ square units, proved far more forgiving than the historic rock-hard surfacing. Not only did French Florentine Parquet prove architecturally functional, but also became universally famous for its eye-catching designs. Recently, Temple Johnson Floor was approached about a custom wood floor design. It called for scaling down a French parquet’s standard 3’ x 3’ squares to only 2’ x 2’. Clients could never order such a one-of-a-kind design through today’s big box, wholesale flooring stores, who depend on volume sales. It would be difficult to order them from anywhere, really, even though the clients had hoped to begin as soon as possible.
It’s once again the time of year when your wood floors become prone to cracks and separation, but there IS a solution! Below we’ve sourced some excellent tips to keep the humidity up and your floors looking as pristine and stationary as possible through the Winter months: Winter in northern, mountain and central areas brings more than the freezing temperatures. As the atmosphere cools down, the air loses moisture. Cold and arid days push outdoor humidity levels into the single digits causing days or even weeks to be at 20% RH or less. Consequently, we turn on the heaters and fireplaces, creating dry indoor conditions. With low humidity outdoors and indoors, is it possible these conditions are drier than the Sahara Desert? It is – the average humidity in one of the hottest places on earth is only 25% according to this reference. For areas that are dry and cold during the winter, if you don’t increase your home’s humidity, you could be living in a drier environment than the Sahara. And these are no conditions for a hardwood floor! Ever considered why there are so few trees in the Sahara? Trees need to absorb moisture from their surrounding environment. When the environment is dry, trees release moisture. As this happens, wood contracts from losing moisture. In humid environments, the tree will absorb moisture and expand. Same thing happens with wood floors! When wood floors get wet, they get wider. When they dry out, they retract. This seasonal expansion and contraction cycle is a natural process mimicking trees. And when they’re Sahara Desert dry, you’re bound to have problems. Keep reading for why winter and wood floors can be a problematic pair. What Happens When Floors Are Too Dry? Dry floors create a variety of problems: 1. Boards shrink, resulting in narrower widths than when installed. 2. Narrowing boards leave gaps . 3. Dry cupping : floors can appear rippled or wavy at the edges. 4. Loose boards and gaps cause boards to squeak . Fastener stress can cause squeaks. Flooring installed in the summer when humidity is high can later shrink to a greater degree during winter. Floors that shrink exert greater pressure on the fasteners, pulling the nail or staple away from the subfloor. Squeaks occur when walking on these loose boards rubbing together. What is Dry Cupping? One of the most common symptoms of a too dry floor, cupping boards occur when there is an imbalance of moisture between a board’s surface and bottom side. To put it simply, the top side is drier than the bottom side. Before a board becomes flooring, the lumber is dried. This process creates dimensionally stable flooring with consistent moisture content. However, this stability is not a guarantee. Any extreme changes in temperature and humidity will upset this equilibrium. Flooring that becomes wetter than its original acclimated state will curl at the edges. When this occurs in winter, it is called “dry cupping” . The surface layer is drier than the bottom layer against the subfloor. Damage can range from subtle to significant, depending on the amount of moisture or lack of it in the boards. In either case, the raised edges will be visually bothersome. If not addressed, the damage leads to squeaks, crackles, and pops. Floors fail in extreme conditions. What About Engineered Wood Floors? Solid and engineered wood floors react differently to moisture changes. Engineered wood flooring has more dimensional stability because of its design. Engineered floors are constructed with a real wood wear layer glued to plywood. This style of wood floor can better perform where moisture may be a concern. But, a little-known disadvantage for engineered flooring is an extremely dry climate. In these Sahara-like conditions, the wear layer may loosen from the plywood layer. The veneer wood fibers shrink and then tear away from the adhesive, causing board failure. And really, it’s preventable by keeping humidity at a level between 35-55%. A consistent environment in the home is the best way for wood – solid or engineered – to keep its beautiful appearance. Deviating outside the recommended range of the flooring manufacturer can lead to failure. Winter and Wood Floors Winter can be stressful for you and your hardwood flooring. Be kind to your wood floors by avoiding the “Sahara” treatment. Invest in a humidifier and maintain the ideal conditions for you and your floors. Check out our friends over at Portercraft Flooring's guide by clicking here for what to look for in a humidifier. We care about your home and want to help you find the best solution for keeping your floors looking great for years to come.
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