Acclimation Instructions |
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Prior to Installation, Chelsea Plank Flooring® and Restoration Series Plank® flooring needs to be acclimated to the environment of the installation site. Proper acclimation and installation work hand in hand to ensure the beauty of your plank floor upon completion and for many years in the future.
PURPOSE Hardwood flooring is hygroscopic. This means the moisture content of your plank floor will increase or decrease with changes in the relative humidity of the installation environment, both before and after installation. If the moisture content of the planks increases, they will expand in size. Conversely, if the moisture content of the planks decreases, they will contract in size. The purpose of acclimation is to expand or contract the size of the planks to best match the current and future installation environment, prior to the installation. As such, there is no pat answer for how long plank flooring should acclimate. Successful acclimation should be job specific and include a good measure of common sense. HUMIDITY CONTROL The Frame Hardwoods manufacturing facility is maintained at a relative humidity ranging from 35 to 60%. Ideally, the installation environment will be maintained at the same humidity range. Please be aware the installation environment includes the immediate living area as well the space located directly below the living space to include basements and crawl spaces. To maintain the 35 to 60% recommended relative humidity, Frame Hardwoods suggests installation and use of the following equipment:
To prevent relative humidity levels above 60%:
To prevent relative humidity levels below 35%:
In addition to the above listed equipment, Frame Hardwoods strongly recommends monitoring the installation environment with a hygrometer to ensure proper relative humidity levels are maintained. ACCLIMATION EXAMPLES
The examples listed above are for reference only and do not cover all possible applications. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Frame Hardwoods, Inc. at 734-433-1023. |