Acclimation is one the most important concepts that we deal with on a daily basis at Heritage Plank Floors. Unfortunately, not everyone understands its importance but it is vital in ensuring that our products are installed properly and maintain their beauty. Acclimation simply refers to allowing wood floors the proper amount of time to adapt to the environment in which they will be installed. Wood flooring is a product of nature and as such its properties can be influenced by its environment. In this instance, “environment” simply means the conditions that exist within the home or building where the floor will be installed. Proper acclimation ensures that any impact the environment has on the flooring takes place prior to install.
What type of impact can the environment have on flooring? Moisture in the air and in the structure where the floor will be installed can slightly alter the dimensions of the floor boards. A lack of moisture can cause wood to shrink while an overabundance of moisture can cause wood to swell. If these changes in dimension occur after the flooring is installed it can wreak havoc on a floor. Shrinkage leads to cracks in between individual floor boards and swelling can cause the boards to fit together so tightly that they buckle. So the flooring must be allowed time to acclimate to its new environment ensuring that these slight changes in dimensions occur prior to install. As long as these slight changes occur prior to install their impact is virtually nonexistent.
For a more in depth discussion of acclimation, its importance and the methods used to ensure proper acclimation please check back here soon for Acclimation Part II.