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Hardwood flooring demands TLC
llf rrn hardwood flooring's reU U turn to popularity, many home center dealers are finding that it is a ntiw and unfamiliar product to some of their younger emploYees.
Since it is imperative that hardwood flooring receive ProPer handling and storage before it is installed, the Oak Flooring Institute (National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association) stresses the following procedures for handling kiln-dried oak flooring. Prior to shipping to dealers, hardwood flooring is stored by manufacturers in dry, well-ventilated warehouses.
Hardwood when it arrives at Your warehouse or store should be unloaded in dry weather, never in the rain. If the atmosphere is damp, it is recommended that each truckload of flooring be covered with a tarpaulin until it can be unloaded.
Proper warehousing is essential. Kiln dried flooring should be stored in a completely enclosed covered building that is well ventilated. lt is helpful if the structure has weather Proof windows to admit sunshine. The storage area must be clean and dry. Proper drainage must be provided to prevent water from draining into the storage area used for flooring.
Enough room should be left around the stacks of flooring to allow for good air circulation.
Condensation can be a Problem
when air in a building is warmer than the outside air. Moisture which forms on the underside of a non-insulated roof can drip on materials stored below. Condensation problems can be solved by insulating the roof or wall or providing a covered storage area within the building.
If these steps are not practical, all top pallets of hardwood flooring should be covered with polyethylene film or other waterproof covering. The building should not be heated unless temperatures are maintained and controlled humidity provided. Continual use of dry heat may drY flooring beyond its manufactured moisture content. This may later result in buckled floors, if the flooring is delivered to the job and installed immediately without acclimation.
Maintaining the average moisture content at the time of manufacture,
