The environmental conditions make a big difference in how well the flooring material performs in its final state. With humid environmental conditions, some flooring materials, like hardwood, will expand. In dry conditions, certain materials can contract. Hardwood flooring must acclimate before installation to minimize the range of expansion and contraction it encounters. When it comes to proper acclimation, installers must rely on the manufacturers to provide guidance.
Many areas are quite humid or quite dry, while others fluctuate between humid seasons and dry seasons. Wood flooring material is definitely affected, so installers must acclimate the product properly. Some manufacturers prefer to have their product differently. Wood pieces can be taken out of the boxes they come in or left inside. It just depends on what the manufacturer recommends.
Incorrect acclimation can lead the hardwood to swell or shrink after installation, leaving lots of problems behind. Installers lay the wood while it is expanded from moisture and place it in a dry environment, so it shrinks and leaves large gaps in the flooring. Proper acclimation is critical for a good-looking floor that holds up over many years.
The bottom line is that flooring installers must read the manufacturer’s recommendations for how to acclimate the material and for how long. This approach guarantees a problem-free installation and ensures the client is pleased with the final product.
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