Last Updated on December 12, 2022
In the absence of proper maintenance, hardwood floors can be harmed by moisture. Many homeowners have experienced the misery of waking up to find their hardwood floors slick with wetness. This phenomenon, known as “floor sweating,” is caused by high humidity levels in the home.
A humid climate can cause wood flooring to sweat, causing them to swell and eventually warp. While sweating floors may seem like a minor issue, it can weaken the foundation of your hardwood and lead to long-term degradation.
We will find out how to stop wood floors from sweating so you can take action to control your wooden surface by preventing your floor from absorbing excess moisture. You can avoid slick floors by reducing condensation and increasing ventilation. Let us explore the steps in more detail.
How to Stop Wood Floors from Sweating in Simple Steps?
Most people think that wood floors are Sweating when the room is too humid. However, this is not always the case, and it can happen even when the humidity is at a comfortable level.
The problem of sweating wooden floors is more common on newly installed floors because they have not had time to adjust to the new environment. There are several steps to follow to prevent this from happening:
Step 01: Use a Flooring Underlayment
If your home has insufficient insulation, the warm temperature inside can cause the cold flooring underneath to sweat. But there is no need to worry if you use a wood floor pad when installing wood flooring.
This material is designed to absorb moisture and keep it away from your floors. It is also essential to make sure that your floors are well-ventilated. Open your windows and doors during the warmer months to permit filtered air to fill your home.
Step 02: Measure the Room Moisture Level
Sweating happens when too much vapor is in the air, and it condenses on the floor. This makes the wood floor deform and the finish dull. When trying to stop wooden floorboards from getting wet, try to measure the moisture level of your floors regularly.
A simple hygrometer can be used to determine the RH in your apartment, and you should aim for a humidity level range between 30% to 50%.
If it’s higher, you need to take steps to lower it. You might accomplish this by running a dehumidifier to let excessive sweat capture, but this is not recommended for low-level moisture because it can make the air too dry.
Step 03: Try to Seal Your Wood Floor
When it comes to preventing a hardwood floor from transpiration, the last & final step is to ensure it’s sealed. This will create a moisture barrier between the wood and the moist air that can cause sweating.
Polyurethane finish is an excellent way to create a barrier against subfloor moisture problems. It is a type of plastic that is applied as a liquid and then dries to a hard, clear finish. Use the sealer evenly and allow it to dry completely before walking on the floor.
As a consequence, the sealer may make the surface become sticky or slippery. By maintaining a sealed hardwood floor correctly, it will be protected from sweating and will last longer.
Why Do Wood Floors Sweat?
Most people are familiar with the situation of sweating, but did you know that your floors can sweat too? The short answer is that it’s due to changes in relative humidity (RH). As RH drops, the hydration content of the wood decreases.
When the RH gets too high, the air can become damp, and water can leak onto the cold floor surface. This problem is most common in homes with central air conditioning, which leads RH to drop sharply. However, it can also occur in homes without AC if the evaporation level outside is very high.
This change in moisture causes the wood to shrink, which in turn causes the flooring to cup or warp. The moist conditions can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause all sorts of health problems.
Tips to Prevent Wood Floors from Sweating
Wood floors can be susceptible to water damage from moisture. More specifically, this surface can sweat when the hydration level in the air is high. In humid conditions, the wood can absorb wetness from the air and become swollen or bowed. This causes wood to warp and discolor.
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your wooden flooring from transpiration:
01: Let the Fresh Air Come in
One of the most effective ways is to let fresh air into your home to prevent wood floor sweat. By opening windows on opposite sides of the room, you can create a cross breeze that will help to remove unwanted moisture and prevent condensation from accumulating. This will help to regulate the humidity levels and reduce the formation of condensation on your floors.
02: Improve Ventilation
When the air in your home is too dry, it can cause your floor to sweat. The best way to prevent your floors from humidifying is to improve ventilation. This can be achieved by opening doors and windows regularly, using fans or air conditioners, and installing a whole-house humidifier.
03: Repair Leaks and Cracks
It’s vital to repair any leaks or cracks in the floor as soon as possible. Even a tiny amount of water can seep through these openings and cause damage.
You should ensure your wood floor is sealed correctly. As a result, a vapor barrier will be created between moisture and the wood, preventing it from causing damage.
04: Make Use of Preventative Measures
Preventative measures are always recommended to avoid any problems. The same goes for wood floors and sweating. By taking some preventative measures, they can be kept from sweating and damaging. Some simple tips to follow:
- When cooking, it is a brilliant idea to use a lid.
- Make sure aquariums are appropriately covered.
- Try to dry clothes on a terrace, where water evaporates directly into the air.
- Directly vent after a shower to avoid moist interior buildup.
05. Keep the Floor Clean and Free of Debris
Most people know it’s imperative to ensure their floors are clean to prevent dirt and dust from being tracked into the house. However, few people realize that debris on the floor causes water to accumulate. When the temperature outside is warm, the air inside your home is likely to be humid.
Anything on the floor impeding airflows, such as a rug or furniture, makes it sweat. For this reason, keeping the ground clean is essential. This will allow the air to pass correctly and prevent the surface from sweating.
06. Use a Dehumidifier (If Needed)
Dehumidifiers reduce relative humidity, remove moisture, and prevent condensation. You can find dehumidifiers in various sizes, so it’s simple to select one that will work for your home.
And getting a dehumidifier is much cheaper than having to replace your floors. But keeping the dehumidifier running all day and night is not advisable. Only use it when you see sweating or increased dampness in your building.
FAQs
Listed below are some commonly asked questions about sweating wood floors:
Q: Will a Dehumidifier Help Hardwood Floors from Sweating?
When the air is too moist, it may cause the flooring to curl and discolor. A dehumidifier can help reduce the air’s humidity, preventing the flooring from moistening. The humidifier should be set to 30-50% for best results.
This will help keep the floors in good condition and prevent long-term damage. But do not keep the dehumidifier on constantly, as this will dry out the air.
Q: Why Does My Hardwood Floor Feel Wet?
If you notice that your hardwood floor feels wet, excessive moisture is likely the culprit. This can happen for several reasons, such as a leaky pipe or too much humidity in the room.
There are a few ways to alleviate the problem, such as increasing ventilation or using a dehumidifier. In most cases, moisture accumulation is not a severe problem and can be easily remedied. However, if left unchecked, it can cause permanent damage to your hardwood floors.
Q: Is Sweat Bad for Hardwood Floors?
Sweat can seriously damage hardwood flooring. When it dries, it leaves a residue that can dull the finish and make the floor more susceptible to scratches. In addition, sweat poses a severe slip hazard.
Sweat makes the floor slippery and causes serious injury if you fall. When it mixes with dirt and debris, it can produce a slick surface that is difficult to clean. For these reasons, it is crucial to wipe any sweat that drips onto your hardwood floors.
Q: What Happens When Wood Floors Get Wet?
If a wooden floor becomes waterlogged, it absorbs the water. This absorption allows the surface to expand. If the expansion is not uniform, the boards will begin to cup.
Cupping is when the edges of the boards lift higher than the middle. When this happens, it can be challenging to fix the problem. Prevention of cupping is to keep the floors as dry as possible.
Conclusion
Due to the numerous problems caused by wooden floor sweating, the issue can usually be easily resolved. The preferred way of maintaining relative humidity at home is between 30 and 50%.
You can use a humidifier in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer. You should also avoid extremes of temperature, so don’t let your home get too hot or too cold. Ventilate your house regularly to allow fresh air to circulate.
We hope this article on how to stop wood floors from sweating helped to understand the problem and its potential solutions. By following the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can keep your wood floors dry and looking great for a longer time.
