### What is Moisture Mapping?
Moisture Mapping is an essential process for maintaining the health and integrity of hardwood flooring. It involves using specialized equipment to measure moisture levels in the subfloor and flooring materials to ensure they remain within acceptable ranges. By identifying areas of excessive or insufficient moisture, Moisture Mapping helps homeowners and professionals address potential problems early on, preventing costly repairs in the future.
### Acceptable Moisture Levels
The optimal moisture content for hardwood flooring depends on several factors, including the species of wood, the environmental conditions, and the subfloor type. Generally, moisture levels should be between 6% and 9%.
### What is an Acceptable Moisture Reading in a Hardwood Floor?
For most types of hardwood flooring, an acceptable moisture reading ranges from 6% to 9%.
– Moisture levels below 6% can lead to dryness and shrinking of the wood, causing gaps, cracks, and cupping.
– Moisture levels above 9% can promote mold growth, wood decay, and buckling.