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Moisture control is one of the most important factors in long-term flooring performance. This guide explains how to prepare the subfloor, acclimatise real wood correctly and maintain a balanced indoor environment.
The foundation of your floor must be dry, stable and properly prepared. Moisture trapped within the subfloor is one of the most common causes of wood expansion, movement, cupping, adhesive failure and long-term damage.
Before any installation begins, the property should be fully enclosed, weather-tight and sufficiently dried out. Wet trades should be completed in advance, and the base should be tested rather than assumed to be ready.
On underfloor heating systems, moisture and commissioning requirements are stricter. Heated screeds should always be tested and prepared in line with the relevant installation and heating protocol.
Real wood responds to the climate of the specific room in which it is installed. To reduce stress after fitting, boards should be allowed to acclimatise before installation in accordance with the product guidance and site conditions.
In general, flooring should be stored in the installation room for approximately 48 to 72 hours, depending on the product and project conditions. The room should already be at normal living temperature with stable humidity before the flooring is brought in.
Acclimatisation does not replace moisture testing. Both the flooring and the environment must be suitable before work begins.
Wood flooring naturally reacts to seasonal changes. The goal is not to stop natural movement completely, but to keep the indoor environment balanced enough to avoid excessive shrinkage, swelling or stress.
A short pre-installation checklist helps reduce avoidable issues and creates a more reliable installation from the start.
Installation of the product constitutes acceptance of the job site conditions. Damage caused by unsuitable environmental conditions — including excessive dryness, high humidity, rising damp or insufficient subfloor preparation — is not covered by the factory warranty. Correct site checks, moisture testing and climate management remain essential throughout the life of the floor.
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