As Brisbane approaches the driest part of the year, typically around July to August, homeowners need to be aware of how these conditions can affect their timber floors. The warm, dry winds and low humidity levels common during this period can have impacts on timber, causing it to shrink and develop gaps. At NS Timber Flooring, we understand the importance of maintaining your timber floors through these challenging times. Here’s what you need to know about timber flooring in dry conditions and how to keep your floors looking their best.
The Impact of Dry Weather on Timber Flooring
During Brisbane’s dry months, the relative humidity drops significantly. Relative humidity measures how much moisture is in the air; lower levels mean drier air. Timber is a natural material that responds to changes in humidity. When the air is dry, moisture evaporates from the timber into the air, reducing the timber’s moisture content and causing it to shrink. This shrinkage can lead to visible gaps between floorboards.
Understanding Relative Humidity and Timber Shrinkage
Relative humidity plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of your timber floors. Typically, timber floors will only show minor changes month to month as they slowly adjust to daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity. However, during extremely dry periods like Brisbane’s winter, the changes can be more drastic. The dry air, combined with warm temperatures and occasional breezes, accelerates the moisture loss from the timber, leading to noticeable gaps at the edges of the boards.
Seasonal Changes and Their Consequences
As Brisbane enters its driest months, you might notice more pronounced gaps in your timber flooring. These changes can be sudden, especially if the humidity levels drop rapidly or if heating systems are used more frequently. Even floors that have been tight and gap-free for months can suddenly develop gaps. This phenomenon isn’t unique to Brisbane; it’s a common issue in many regions experiencing similar weather patterns.
Tips for Maintaining Timber Floors During Dry Times
- Control Indoor Humidity: The lowest humidity levels usually occur in the afternoon, which is also the breeziest time of the day. To prevent your floors from drying out too quickly, avoid allowing strong breezes to blow through your house during this time. Regular ventilation at other times of the day is beneficial, as reverse-cycle air-conditioning can also have a drying effect.
- Increase Indoor Humidity: Try to raise the relative humidity inside your home. Simple methods include placing bowls of water around the house, leaving some water in the sink overnight, or hanging wet washing on a clothes horse. These actions can help add moisture to the air, counteracting the dry conditions outside.
- Night Ventilation: Humidity generally increases during the evening, making it an ideal time to ventilate your house. Allowing fresh air to circulate overnight can help maintain a more stable humidity level indoors.
- Temporary Measures During Installation: If your timber floor is being installed or coated during the dry season, it’s important to consider the conditions. Installers and finishers may recommend specific products or need additional time to ensure the best results. If your floor is laid just before Christmas and the builder goes on holiday, make sure to cover windows temporarily and ventilate the house to avoid creating oven-like conditions that can damage the timber.
Looking Ahead
While these dry conditions are challenging, they are also temporary. As the season changes and humidity levels rise, your timber floors will start to absorb moisture from the air again. Gaps that appear during the dry months will close up, and your floors will regain their usual appearance.
Maintaining timber floors in Brisbane’s dry months requires some extra attention, but the results are worth it. By managing indoor humidity and being mindful of weather patterns, you can preserve the beauty and integrity of your timber floors throughout the year. At NS Timber Flooring, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges and keep your floors looking stunning, no matter the season.
For more tips and professional advice contact us at:
📞 (07) 3881 1158
✉️ info@nstimberflooring.com.au
📍 SHOWROOM: 226 Leitchs Road, Brendale, 4500 QLD
