Hardwood floors and moisture are never a good mix. And thanks to climate change, Toronto springs and summers are wetter and more humid. Even though you may not see a drastic change in your neighborhood, that doesn’t mean that your hardwood floors aren’t being affected.
So, what can you do to protect them? Hardwood floors are an investment, so, to make sure your investment lasts, installing a moisture barrier is a smart choice.
Let’s look at the benefits of installing a moisture barrier to protect your hardwood floors.
Consider Installing a Moisture Barrier for Your Hardwood Floors
If you’re a homeowner in Toronto with hardwood floors, it is essential to install a moisture barrier to keep them beautiful and durable. Let’s go over the basics of moisture barriers, including their significance.
What Is a Moisture Barrier?
A moisture barrier is a layer of material positioned between your subfloor and hardwood flooring to stop moisture from penetrating the wood. They are crucial for ensuring the durability and aesthetic appeal of your hardwood floors and come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, including polyethylene film and rubber membranes.
If your hardwood floors have water damage, it is important to ask the right questions to determine the best solution.
How Do Hardwood Floors React to Moisture?
Even a little bit of moisture can wreak havoc on hardwood floors, with the wood warping and developing gaps as a result of moisture-induced expansion and contraction. This can also lead to mould and mildew growth, which harms both the wood and your health.
Here are four reasons why you should consider installing a moisture barrier.
- It Protects Against Moisture Damage
Humid Toronto summers and cold, wet winters aren’t great for hardwood floors. Changing weather can cause hardwood to contract and expand, leading to damage. While the weather is beyond your control, protecting your hardwood floors from moisture isn’t.Installing a moisture barrier may seem like a hassle and an extra expense, but it’s a great idea to consider if you are thinking about installing hardwood floors. If you have already installed hardwood floors and want extra protection, consult a professional at AA Floors.
- It Extends the Life Of Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are generally very durable when maintained properly. If you are worried about water damage, getting a moisture barrier can extend their life significantly. This means less chance of expansion and contraction thanks to changes in weather or moisture exposure in your Toronto home.For the best results, maintain your humidity levels between 35% and 55% and temperature around 65-75⁰F.
- It Prevents Mildew and Mould Growth
Toronto summers can get humid, which means a higher chance of mould and mildew growth indoors, especially if you have hardwood floors. This is a health hazard and causes unpleasant odours.To prevent this growth, keep your floors dry and clean by installing a moisture barrier. You should also clean them regularly with a hardwood floor cleaner that contains a mould and mildew inhibitor.
- It Is Cost-Effective In the Long Run
Moisture damage should not be taken lightly. Once damaged, repairs do not come cheap. If you want your hardwood floors to last a long time, then maintaining them is the best way forward.Installing a moisture barrier to guard against damage to your hardwood flooring is the best way to care for them. In the event of a subfloor leak, the protective layer keeps moisture from penetrating the boards. This gives you time to look for expert assistance to resolve the problem.
Installing a moisture barrier is a crucial step in making sure your hardwood floors last a long time and look great. A moisture barrier stops significant moisture-related damage to hardwood floors. You can shield your floors from this damage, stop mould and mildew growth, and enhance your home’s air quality by installing the right moisture barrier. Don’t skip this important step in maintaining your hardwood floors. Contact AA Floors to help you get hardwood flooring and moisture barriers at the best prices in Toronto.
AA Floors & More Ltd.
524 Evans Ave Etobicoke ON M8W 2V4
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