Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Moisture meter/Hygrometer question
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Moisture meter/Hygrometer question
DIYaddict
09-29-05, 05:14 PM
Is this correct?
A Moisture meter is for the moisture content in the wood and Hygrometer is used for the moisture in the air?...and so the (floating) laminate wood installation should be done when...what?...they are equal? Or does this depend on brand of laminate and instructions...? :o Specifically, I am thinking of installing Quick step and the instructions say ideal conditions are 15-20 degrees C (59-68 degrees F) at a realtive humidity of 50-60%.
Do I still need the moisture meter?
:wall: my head hurts from thinking too much so I thot I'd let you brilliant ones tell me. :D
A Moisture meter is for the moisture content in the wood and Hygrometer is used for the moisture in the air?...and so the (floating) laminate wood installation should be done when...what?...they are equal? Or does this depend on brand of laminate and instructions...? :o Specifically, I am thinking of installing Quick step and the instructions say ideal conditions are 15-20 degrees C (59-68 degrees F) at a realtive humidity of 50-60%.
Do I still need the moisture meter?
:wall: my head hurts from thinking too much so I thot I'd let you brilliant ones tell me. :D
thezster
09-29-05, 06:09 PM
Your first observation is correct...
Secondly... while I've only installed a few laminated floors over the years... I typically let the laminate "set" with the boxes opened... inside the room to be floored for 48 hours.... or more.... That way the laminate has time to acclimate to the temperature/humidity of your subfloor, which is what it's all about... or so I've been led to believe...
Secondly... while I've only installed a few laminated floors over the years... I typically let the laminate "set" with the boxes opened... inside the room to be floored for 48 hours.... or more.... That way the laminate has time to acclimate to the temperature/humidity of your subfloor, which is what it's all about... or so I've been led to believe...
Carpets Done Wright
09-29-05, 07:50 PM
When the core is neither losing or gaining moisture and comes to equalibrium, then the laminate is acclimated. It is not a time thing(48 hours) it is a moisture gain or loss thing.
twelvepole
09-29-05, 08:38 PM
The only way to test moisture content of subfloor and flooring is to use a moisture meter. Subfloor should typically contain no more than 10-12% moisture content. Anything higher will tend to result in moisture issues that could cause floor to buckle. Acclimation of flooring is important. As indicated, its moisture content should become stable. Temperature and humidity levels are best maintained at a constant level year round.
DIYaddict
09-30-05, 11:02 AM
Thanks guys...just bought a moisture meter and have a better understanding about acclimation! Reading previously on all acclimation posts it seemed at first, all you had to do was let the laminate sit there for a while. As it appears...it's more than that.
You guys have been great! I'm sure I'll post a million more questions as I continue on. I believe the hardest part is the prep work and understanding all the instructions and words!
Isn't there a "Installing your laminate wood floors" book for dummies"? :D I need one.
So far, so good...all thanks to you guys.
You guys have been great! I'm sure I'll post a million more questions as I continue on. I believe the hardest part is the prep work and understanding all the instructions and words!
Isn't there a "Installing your laminate wood floors" book for dummies"? :D I need one.
So far, so good...all thanks to you guys.