Will Humidity Level in My Home Affect Laminate Flooring?

Will Humidity Level in My Home Affect Laminate Flooring? A home’s humidity level can affect many things inside the home, laminate flooring included. While laminate floors are designed to be resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, if the levels in your home are too extreme, it could cause problems.

How does humidity affect your floor?

1. High humidity

If the humidity level in your home is too high, it can cause the laminate floor to expand or swell. This can cause the boards to separate, which can result in warping or cupping of the floor.

Due to the high humidity, the adhesives that hold the laminate flooring together may also fail, causing the boards to come loose. When this happens, the floor may become unstable and unsafe to walk on.

2. Low humidity

On the other hand, if your home has very low humidity levels, it can cause the laminate boards to contract. As a result, gaps may appear between the planks and this could lead to damage over time.

How much do laminate floors expand?

Laminate floors are designed to expand and contract with changes in your home’s relative humidity. To help the flooring adjust to temperature and humidity changes, manufacturers recommend that you leave a space of about 3/8-inch (10 mm) between the flooring and the wall when you install it.

There are many benefits of leaving a gap around the perimeter of the floor which are:

• To allow for thermal expansion, which helps to prevent buckling or warping of the flooring
• To provide space for air movement and ventilation, which helps to prevent moisture from getting trapped beneath the flooring
• To help minimize noise from the floor rubbing against your baseboards or walls

If the humidity in your home is too high or too low, it can cause the laminate flooring to warp or cup. Ideal relative humidity levels for laminate floors are between 30 and 50 percent.

How to maintain a healthy level of humidity in your home?

1. Install a dehumidifier to help control humidity levels.

This is especially important if you live in an area with high humidity levels. It is designed to remove excess moisture from the air, helping to reduce the risk of damage to your laminate floor.

2. Use fans to circulate air and help keep the room temperature consistent.

When cooking or showering, use the exhaust fans to help remove moisture from the air. This will help to keep the relative humidity in your home at a consistent level and reduce the risk of damaging your laminate floors.

3. Place a humidifier in your home.

If the humidity levels in your home are consistently low, consider investing in a humidifier. This can help to add moisture back into the air and prevent damage to your laminate floors.

When the weather outside is cold and dry, it can cause the indoor air to become dry as well. This can lead to your laminate floors shrinking and contracting, which may cause gaps to appear between the planks. By using a humidifier, you can help balance out the humidity levels in your home and prevent damage to your floors.

4. Keep indoor plants in your home.

Plants can help increase humidity levels naturally, which is beneficial for your floors and other parts of your home as well. Look for houseplants that are known for their ability to absorb moisture, such as ferns and spider plants. However, you should be mindful of not overwatering your plants as this can have the opposite effect and make the humidity levels in your home too high.

5. Take care when using cleaning products.

When cleaning your laminate floors, be sure to use products that are specifically designed for laminate. Using harsh chemicals or cleaners that are not meant for laminate can damage the floor and cause it to degrade over time.

6. Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas.

If your laminate floor is in a very high-traffic area, using rugs or mats can help to protect it from scratches and dents. This will also help to keep dirt and dust from being tracked onto the floor, which can cause damage over time.

7. Inspect your home for any leaks

Leaking pipes or appliances can cause an increase in humidity levels, which can damage your laminate floors. Be sure to check for any leaks in your home and have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

8. Make sure your home is well-ventilated.

This is important for two reasons. First, you want to avoid trapping moisture in your home, which can lead to all sorts of problems, including mold and mildew growth. Second, you don’t want the humidity level in your home to fluctuate too much, as that can also cause problems for your laminate floors.

The best way to ensure that your home is well-ventilated is by opening windows and using fans or air conditioning when needed. This will help to regulate the humidity levels in your home, which will prevent damage from occurring to your laminate floors.

In general, you should aim for a humidity level between 30% and 50%. This range is comfortable for most people and will help to protect your laminate flooring from damage. You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your home and make adjustments as needed.

If you have any concerns about the humidity levels in your home, or if you think your laminate flooring may be damaged, it’s always best to consult with a professional. A flooring specialist can inspect your floors and offer advice on how to protect them from damage caused by changes in humidity.

Will Humidity Level in My Home Affect Laminate Flooring? – Conclusion

In summary, maintaining a healthy level of humidity in your home is important for protecting your laminate floor. Be sure to use a dehumidifier in high humidity areas and a humidifier in low humidity areas. Also, take care when cleaning the floor and use rugs or mats in high traffic areas. By following these tips, you can help to keep your laminate floor looking new for years to come.