Madison Humidity and Your Hardwood Floors
Wood is a sponge, and in Madison it dries out when the heat is on and swells when summer gets muggy; here is how to keep your floors steady.
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The target numbers
The National Wood Flooring Association recommends keeping the indoor air at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 30 to 50 percent relative humidity all year, and mentions humidification systems for winter (NWFA).
NWFA material also says floors shrink when heating systems run, which causes gaps, and swell in humid summers (NWFA care guide), and that is why gaps may open in January and nearly close by August.
| Season | What wood does | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Winter, heat on | Shrinks, gaps open | Humidifier, check humidity |
| Spring and fall | Settles | Open windows only if humidity is moderate |
| Summer | Swells, can cup if very damp | Air conditioning, dehumidifier |
Gaps: wait or fix?
Seasonal gaps are normal wood movement and often shrink when humidity comes back (Hardwood Floors magazine), and if gaps stay open all year, or boards are cupping, the cause may be moisture from below. See repair.
Timing a refinish
Finish dries and cures better in steady conditions, so we ask about your humidity before we start, and if your floors have just gone through a dry winter, we may wait for the air to settle. Read how long refinishing takes and see the home page for services.
Madison Humidity: questions answered
What humidity is best for hardwood floors?
NWFA recommends 30 to 50 percent with temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees (NWFA).
Why do my floors have gaps in winter?
Heating dries the air and wood shrinks (NWFA).
Will the gaps go away?
Many close in humid months (Hardwood Floors), and some stay.
What causes cupping?
Moisture imbalance, often from below, and a fix starts with the source.
Should I use a humidifier?
NWFA mentions humidification systems for winter (NWFA).
Does humidity change when I can refinish?
It can, and see the timeline guide.
Floors changing with the seasons?
We can look at gaps, cupping and finish wear, and send the form or call; or go to the home page.