Why is climate control important?

Due to the natural cell structure of wood, your floor will shrink in a dry environment and expand in excessive moisture. This can lead to cracks, splits, or bulging planks. To prevent this, it's important to properly control the temperature and humidity in the room.

You do this with a hygrometer – a simple measuring instrument that displays the air humidity.

What is the ideal humidity?

  • Between 55% and 65% humidity at 20–21 °C
    This is the ideal indoor climate. Your wooden floor remains stable, barely moves, and stays nice and straight. This climate is also good for your furniture and your health.

What if the humidity is too low?

  • Humidity below 55%
    If the humidity drops below this level for an extended period (as often happens in winter), your floor can dry out. You may then see cracks or shrinkage cracks develop.

Solution: Use a humidifier . Especially during the warm winter months, this is a valuable addition.

What if the humidity is too high?

  • Humidity above 65%
    In high humidity (as is often the case in summer), the wood absorbs moisture. This can cause the planks to expand, bulge, or warp .

Solution: Ventilate well, use a dehumidifier or air conditioning to reduce the humidity.

Additional tips for a healthy floor climate:

  • Place the hygrometer in the center of the room , away from windows or heat sources.
  • Check the hygrometer for proper operation or recalibrate it at least once a year .
  • Please note when on holiday or away: do not switch off air humidification or dehumidification completely.
  • Your furniture, paintings and musical instruments also benefit from a stable indoor climate.

Be careful with homes with a crawl space

Does your home have a crawl space ? Make sure the ventilation grilles are open and clean on both sides of the house. Poor underfloor ventilation increases humidity, which can lead to serious damage to your wood floor, such as bulging planks.

Finally

A hygrometer is a tool that helps you maintain the right indoor climate. Following these recommendations will significantly extend the lifespan of your floor. Keep in mind that wood can always move slightly – this is part of its natural character.

Do you have questions or need help choosing a humidifier or hygrometer? Feel free to visit Vloerhuis Nederland , we're happy to help.