Wood floors and humidity
The humidity in the houses
Autumn certainly brings the beauty of the colors in the leaves and a unique atmosphere to our cities. But as winter approaches, temperatures drop, both outside the home and in our homes.
Heating allows us to better manage these temperature changes, in order to always return to a milder temperature. However, this is not the only change with the arrival of the cold season.
Regarding parquet, as well as for our personal health, it is also important to keep in mind humidity. This in fact has repercussions on wood and on our health. We must therefore preserve our homes from changes in humidity, to live better in the first place, but also to keep our parquet in the best possible conditions for the longest possible time.
I valori di umidità da mantenere dentro casaThe humidity values to be kept indoors
For our personal health, the optimal level of humidity is between 40% and 60%.
- Below 40% the dryness of the air can also cause dryness in the throat, with therefore cough and a constant discomfort throughout the day
- With values above 60%, physical ailments can arise in people who are more sensitive to humidity. therefore we think of older people, those who already have some bone pain or those who have recently undergone medical operations. Changes in humidity (which happens for example on rainy days) can cause discomfort to these people
The table below shows temperatures (vertical axis) and humidity levels (horizontal axis) tested on wood. The numbers in the cells represent the equilibrium humidity value that the wooden floor will assume as the environmental conditions change. If we want to be sure we are in an optimal situation, we need to fall within the green circle you see below.
Parquet, on the other hand, when subjected to a condition with very humid air, tends to dilate, while with little humidity it shrinks. To partially cope with this problem, it is possible to resort to a multi-layer wood: it is in fact the solid woods that suffer most from the sudden change in humidity. With a multi-layer solution, the parquet remains more stable.
Monitor the humidity
Keeping an eye on the humidity level inside the house is very easy. Just equip yourself with a thermohygrometer and periodically check that the level remains within the range of 40% – 60%.
If, on the other hand, the air is too humid or too low, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers on the market that will solve the problem.
They are very useful small appliances that can restore the right value in the air we breathe, both at home and in the office.
Visit our website to discover our latest projects.
