Understanding Timber Preparation of the Moisture Content of Timber

Timber flooring offers numerous benefits to the homeowners not only because of its elegant appearance but also because it is by far the safest and most hygienic flooring option available in the market. Moreover, investing on timber from sustainable forest contributes to reducing the greenhouse effect and is good for our environment. Your home will surely look great with timber floors as long as you know how to clean and maintain them. A crucial element is also found in having the experts perform your timber flooring installation for optimal results.

Unlike other flooring like tiles or carpets, timber requires gentler handling. Timber is very delicate, expanding and shrinking depending on the season as well as the humidity in the area. This is because timber is organic and not man-made so its innate attributes reacts to the various elements especially moisture. This is why timber merchants make sure to acclimatize the timber floor boards before the timber flooring installation. Acclimatisation pertains to the process of allowing partial equalisation of the hardwood timber to the moisture content of the environment where it will be installed. This means that when you get your timber supplies, your floorboards have been acclimatized so that it will no longer full expand, warp, or shrink alongside the seasons. Your timber boards can still move but not in a very noticeable way causing an unsightly appearance.

The moisture content of timber is calculated as the percentage weight of water found in the wood when compared to the actual weight of the product when all the water has been extracted. The moisture content in timber alters according to the changes in the environment like the temperature and the humidity in the air. Even with fully acclimatise timber boards, small seasonal changes are still in effect with the boards having gaps during the dry season and closing or expanding during the colder period.

Because of the sensitive nature of timber, it is imperative that you look for a reliable timber supplier so that you can avoid buying those that are defective. Poor quality timber are those that are not properly kiln dried so the boards have not settled down resulting in warping and expanding when they have been installed. Drying of the timber is a complex process requiring care and time, which should not be rush in order to keep the boards relatively stable. This is why it is crucial that you request for certificates of authentication for moisture content so that you are assured of getting good value for your money.

When choosing your timber request certificates of authentication for moisture content from your flooring contractor or builder to make sure the timber you are paying for is worth the money. Hence, your flooring contractor or builder will often conduct site assessment before commencing with the timber floor installation. The long term relative humidity is considered to achieve a fair balance when acclimatising the timber. By going through this meticulous process, the end result is a beautiful timber floor that remains so for all seasons.