How Humidity Affects Your Wood Floors (And What to Do About It)

Hardwood flooring is one of the most beautiful and timeless upgrades you can make to a home or commercial space—but it's also a natural product that responds to changes in its environment. Humidity, in particular, can have a significant impact on the performance and appearance of wood floors.

At SEC Construction Services, we’ve helped countless customers maintain their hardwood floors through every season. Here’s what you need to know about how humidity affects wood flooring—and how to protect your investment.

Why Humidity Matters for Hardwood

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. When humidity levels rise, wood planks take on moisture and expand. When the air is dry, the wood contracts.

This natural movement can lead to a variety of issues, including:

• Cupping – when the edges of a board are higher than the center, caused by excess moisture from below the surface.

• Crowning – the opposite of cupping, where the center is higher than the edges, often from surface moisture.

• Gapping – spaces between planks as a result of dry air shrinking the wood.

• Buckling – extreme moisture levels that cause boards to lift from the subfloor entirely.

Seasonal Shifts in Pennsylvania

In Western Pennsylvania, we experience humid summers and dry winters, which means your hardwood floors go through regular cycles of expansion and contraction. Without proper management, this can shorten the life of your flooring and lead to expensive repairs.

How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors from Humidity

1. Maintain Stable Indoor Humidity Levels: Use a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer to keep relative humidity in the ideal range of 35% to 55%. This helps your floors stay stable year-round.

2. Invest in Proper Acclimation: Before installation, we always allow your hardwood flooring to acclimate to your home’s environment. This step is crucial for preventing future movement.

3. Use Professional Installation Techniques: At SEC, we ensure that your subfloor is properly prepped and moisture levels are tested before installation. This creates a stable foundation that minimizes movement.

4. Monitor for Early Signs of Trouble: Notice gaps forming in winter or minor cupping in summer? Don’t ignore it. Early attention can prevent bigger problems. We offer inspection and maintenance services to help you stay ahead of any issues.

Protect Your Floors with SEC Construction Services

Wood flooring is an investment—and it deserves professional care. Whether you need a fresh installation, refinishing, or seasonal maintenance, SEC Construction Services brings expert craftsmanship and experience to every job. Let us help you keep your hardwood floors beautiful, stable, and long-lasting, no matter the weather.