3 Reasons Autumn Is the Best Time to Install Your Hardwood Floor

3 Reasons Autumn Is the Best Time to Install Your Hardwood Floor

3 Reasons Autumn Is the Best Time to Install Your Hardwood Floor

By :
Reno Concepts OC

There are many moving parts to a home improvement project. This is why homeowners need to have a concrete plan regarding financing, which flooring company to get for the job, and what materials to use. However, many forget to plan when to commence the actual work to ensure that the project begins and ends without too many problems. It’s possible to install your hardwood floors at any time during the year. Different flooring services will employ their own methods and will often have mitigating measures to have your floors installed successfully even during the winter. However, to ensure that your installation happens without a hitch and that your hardwood floors last with minimal maintenance, it is highly recommended that you plan an autumn installation. In this article, we will share three reasons autumn is the best time to install hardwood floors:

1. Spring and summer introduces much moisture

Start your home renovation project in the summer or spring when the weather is fair, and the weather is generally predictable. However, these seasons tend to experience spikes in humidity, which may not be good for your porous hardwoods. The hardwood will immediately absorb whatever moisture is in the air, causing it to expand and possibly warp during installation. While wood will naturally contract once it loses some moisture, it can pose problems for installers who have a difficult time fitting the planks together.

2. Air is too dry in the winter

During the winter months, your heating systems fire up to keep you warm. When this happens, most of the moisture inside the home is lost, including on your hardwood floors. When there is too little moisture in the air, hardwood naturally contracts, and this can cause planks to separate and form gaps. While they will eventually disappear as more moisture sets in come spring, installers will have to account for contraction as they lay your hardwood floor.

3. Adhesives need a specific temperature range

Aside from the natural contracting and expanding characteristics of the wood, you will also have to mind the drying process of adhesives, which is normally between 70 to 80 degrees Celsius in the summer months. Your AC systems will cause the adhesive to dry too quickly, while too much heating in the winter months may halt the drying process altogether.

Conclusion

To minimize any potential risks, it’s best to begin your installation during the autumn months. The moisture will be at its optimum level, with the risk of contraction and expansion at its minimum. Although the summer’s heat is behind you, there’s no need for a lot of air conditioning. However, winter is still months ahead, so there will be enough moisture in the air. During the autumn, there will be less risk to your hardwood developing warping or cupping, and your contractor will thank you for making their jobs easier. If for some reason you are not able to do the project in the fall, it’s still possible to install your hardwood floors during the winter, summer or spring months. Most flooring companies will employ artificial humidity control to introduce or cut back on moisture as needed. The best way to ensure a long-lasting hardwood floor is to choose a reputable contractor that will know and implement the best methods during the installation. Reno Concepts OC caters to whole house renovations in California. We design and build safe, functional, and beautiful living spaces for you and your family. Get in touch with us today to see how we help bring your design ideas to life!

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