pg. 9
CUPPING:
As with cracks between boards, both cupping and crowning ar
and should not be a concern if they occur only to a minor extent. More severe cases, however, indicate a
serious moisture problem.
“Cupping” describes a condition in which the edges of a board are high and its center is lower
usually the culprit, although cupping also can happen after water has been spilled onto the floor and
absorbed into the wood. The moisture causes the wood to swell, crushing the boards together and
deforming them at the edges. In order to rep
Most often, indoor humidity will have to be controlled. Other causes could include situations such as a
plumbing leak in the basement, which can allow moisture to migrate up into the subfloor and
Once the cause of the moisture is controlled, cupping usually can be reversed. Oftentimes the floor
Cupping may naturally dry out and improve over time. Fans may be necessary to speed the drying
process. After the floor has dried, it may be nece
refinish the floor.
CROWNING:
“Crowning” is the opposite of cupping: The middle of the board is higher than theedges of
the board. This can occur when the surface of the floor encounters moisture. Mor
floor has been sanded too soon after it has cupped. When this happens, the top edges of the board are
sanded off, and thus are lower than the rest of the board when it returns to a normal moisture content.
BUCKLING:
Buckling is one of the most extreme reactions to moisture that can occur with ahardwood
floor. It happens when the floor literally pulls away from the subfloor, up to heights as high as several
inches. Fortunately, buckling is an uncommon occurrence, usually happening
flooded. Even in such cases, it is possible that a floor can be repaired instead of being totally replaced.
THE VACANT HOUSE - "Greenhouse Effect
inventory, whenever a wood floor is deprived of an air flow in the environment, it can and will misbehave..
Ventilation helps avoid damage caused by expansion and contraction because it not only allow
to be removed from the air, but will help retain constant temperatures. For tropical climates, a
dehumidifier may be an option to intermittently run on a timer
Preventing Moisture Problems
Controlling humidity is the most important factor in preventing problems with moisture and your wood
floor. The correct maintenance also will go a long way in avoiding problems. Among the key points:
e natural reactions tomoisture
air the floor, the cause of the moisture must be identified.
ssary to recoat the floor with finish, or to sand and
e often, it results when a
only after a floor has been
":
Security -conscious vacationers, a homebuilder's unsold
with your air conditioner
.
. Humidity is
flooring.
s moisture
