Maple Flooring
As a homeowner, it is very important for you to understand how dry or humid conditions will affect your maple flooring. All hardwoods will react to changing environmental conditions. Maple flooring should be installed on or above grade only. Below grade installations are not recommended due to the moisture that is present on below grade floors.
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Common concerns with Maple flooring:
Separations
The appearance of shrinkage cracks during dry winter months is common and expected. These separations will normally close in the spring and early summer, as the floor picks up moisture from the air. You can reduce this effect with the use of a humidification/ dehumidification system in your home to maintain proper humidity levels.
Squeaks
Squeaks in the floor can also be caused by the seasonal expansion/contraction cycles, and can be minimized by maintaining a constant indoor environment (temperature and humidity).
Cupping
A “washboard” appearance across the width of one piece of flooring has only one cause. A moisture imbalance through the thickness where the moisture content is higher on the bottom of the board than the top. The moisture source, be it very high indoor relative humidity or worst yet a water leak, must be eliminated before any repair work can be performed successfully.
Radiant Heat
Maple flooring may be installed over concrete slabs in which radiant heating pipes are embedded. However, slightly higher water temperatures may be required. There are a number of important precautions to follow though. It is recommended that you discuss this option with your flooring installer.
Sealers & Finishes
There are many different types of sealers and surface finishes available to create the perfect look for your solid maple hardwood floor. While sealers can be used alone on the floor, generally they are applied as an undercoat for a finish. Recommended finishes include oil-based urethanes, moisture-cured urethanes, Swedish finishes, and water-based urethanes. It is recommended that you discuss these options with your flooring installer to obtain the ideal effect for your home.
Maintenance
Never use water to clean your hardwoods. Soaps, detergents, “oil soaps,” wax removers, polishes and so on will damage the wood and finish and leave a discoloring residue, making refinishing difficult.
It is very important to keep the floor surface free from dust, grit, sand and abrasive particles. Dust mopping and vacuuming your maple floor is recommended at least once a week.
Cleaning agents are available for your maple floor, contact your installer or finish manufacturer for more information.
We are confident that you will enjoy the beauty and durability of your maple flooring for many years to come. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, most maple floors will last for generations. That makes it a product well worth investing in!