Importance of Moisture Testing Before Hardwood Installation

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If you have a crawl space, it’s time to fully inspect the ground beneath your home to assess the moisture content of the soil. Ask yourself this question… Do you have any areas that are wet or any pools of water? If you have either of these issues, fixing them is a must. Failing to address these problems will result in cupping later on, a condition caused by the wood remaining damp on the underside but not on the top.

Additionally, hardwood flooring manufacturers recommend that you ensure all crawl spaces have at least 6 mil polyethylene plastic sheeting placed on the ground beneath the house to prevent the wood flooring from being affected by natural ground moisture.

Homes with concrete foundations will undergo different pre-installation tests in regard to foundation. Concrete is mixed with water; thus, moisture will escape as the concrete ages.

Make sure your installer performs these tests before installation begins:

Perform a moisture test on concrete slabs by taping 7-10 18″x18″ pieces of plastic to your subfloor in different areas. Wait at least 18 hours, and if condensation develops, take steps to seal your concrete before installation. Another way to test the slab is to use a moisture meter, which is available for purchase at most hardware stores. (Acceptable moisture levels are 14% or less)

mannington-inverness-stonehenge-walnut-alabaster-hardwood-flooring.jpg Other tests to be performed by the installer are:

Calcium Chloride – Should not exceed 3 lbs per 24 hrs per 1000 square feet of area

Radiant Heating Calcium Chloride – Should not exceed 1.5 lbs per 24 hrs per 1000 square feet of area.

pH reading of the slab–An acceptable pH reading is between 6–9 on the pH scale.

DO NOT INSTALL your hardwood flooring on a concrete slab if you receive high readings on your Calcium Chloride and pH test. You will need to purchase a specific sealer in order to correct the humidity and calcium levels within your concrete slab.

One final note: Some cupping and crowning is a natural part of owning hardwood flooring, and not all cases indicate issues with your home.

Another step is testing the temperature and RH levels of your home before hardwood flooring is delivered. Most hardwood flooring manufacturers will not uphold a warranty claim if the floors are delivered to an improper environment. A LCD Thermo-Hygrometer was designed by hardwood flooring professionals to display this information.

Shaw Residential Carpet FAQs

What makes Shaw residential carpet a good choice for my home?

Shaw is widely regarded as a high-quality carpet manufacturer. Their residential carpets offer a broad selection of styles, textures, and colors, from cozy plush carpets to durable loop and twist styles, which makes it easier to match the carpet to your home’s needs and decor. Additionally, many Shaw carpets include features such as stain-resistance, wear resistance, and pet- or family-friendly options, which make them suitable for everyday living spaces.

How do I maintain and clean Shaw carpet to keep it looking good?

Regular maintenance, like vacuuming and keeping dirt out with entry mats, helps prevent soil and grit from embedding in carpet fibers, which prolongs life and appearance. For spills and stains, act quickly and follow proper stain-removal guidelines. Many Shaw products are engineered to resist stains, but timely care will help maintain that benefit over time. Always review the specific care instructions included in your warranty, as different carpet collections may have slightly different care requirements.

Are there carpet styles that are better for households with pets or children?

Yes. If you have pets, kids, or high foot traffic, choose carpets with stain-resistant fibers, tightly woven construction, and darker or multicolor patterns that are better at hiding wear, dirt, or stains. Certain Shaw collections are particularly well-suited for these conditions. You may want to ask for our recommendations based on your household lifestyle (e.g. pets, kids, frequent guests, etc.).

How long should I expect my carpet to last? When should I consider replacing it?

With proper installation, good padding, and routine maintenance, high-quality residential carpet from Shaw can last many years, often a decade or more depending on use, before deterioration signs of use really begin to show. However, heavy daily traffic, pets, frequent spills, or neglecting cleaning may cause wear, matting, or color fading sooner. It’s wise to inspect carpets periodically: once you notice thinning, persistent stains, or uneven wear, it may be time to replace or re-carpet.

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