By Jerry Lee, Protect-All Flooring
It’s no secret that moisture is a leading cause of flooring failures – accounting for more than $2 billion in damages annually. As the calendar moves into summer and the temperatures rise along with the humidity, moisture continues to be a major challenge for professional flooring installers across the country.
While moisture in any form is something that must be dealt with all year long, the heat and humidity that comes with the summer season make the challenging conditions more pronounced. Depending on your location, moisture can present itself in a variety of ways and needs to be accounted for in the planning of your flooring projects. Follow the steps below to prepare for addressing moisture challenges on your flooring installations this summer – and all year long:
Make sure your moisture testing equipment is calibrated and accurate to give you the proper reading.
Know the manufacturer’s moisture requirements before beginning the installation process. If they do not have it outlined on their packaging, give them a call and they will help you.
Ensure that your estimator includes possible moisture mitigation options in their quote. If the general contractor is aware up front, they may be more inclined to accept your testing results and solution.
Familiarize yourself with manufacturer recommended moisture mitigation products or systems for best results when installing their products.
Moisture testing is an important step in the successful installation of any flooring project. By neglecting to prepare and test before starting a project, you run the risk of improper installations and costly repair issues. It’s important to remember that moisture guidelines are in place for a reason and although water may not be harming the topside of the finished product, the moisture lurking below the surface can cause much more damage. If you are unsure of the moisture guidelines for products you are using on an upcoming flooring project, or if you have questions about the guidelines and product, call the manufacturer directly for guidance.
