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Moisture comes from a variety of sources-from the earth itself, from surface water (i.e., rain water runoff), as well as from the interior atmosphere. A room that is exposed to excessive moisture would be prone to trouble if solid wood flooring were installed in it. Basement floors are particularly tricky installations.
Under the home Many houses in the Los Angeles area are built over a crawl space--that is, the floor of the house is built over an open space that is deep enough to allow a person to gain access to the under floor area by crawling. Moisture problems within a house that show up as condensation and/or frost on windows in the living area, can result from dampness in the crawl space. Obvious symptoms of excessive moisture passing upward through the floors may include any of the following: a musty odor; mold on the walls near the floor, in corners and in closets; moisture condensation on insulated windows or storm windows; and moisture condensation in the walls with resulting paint peeling. These symptoms may be due because the crawl space was constructed in an area of high water table, improper grading of the lot for drainage, or the omission of moisture control devices such as vapor barriers, ground cover and ventilation openings. To ensure your hardwood floors an extended lifetime you must resolve the reason moisture is getting into your crawl spaces. These could be:
1) Ground water moving through the foundation walls or up through the earth floor; How to use water on your hardwood floors Never damp mop a wood floor. In all cases, use minimum water, because water causes deterioration of the wood itself, as well as the finish. Avoid using mops or cloths that leave excessive water on the floor. Never let a spill of water dry on the floor. Control humidity levels by use of a dehumidifier or humidifier. You may need to add portable units in some rooms. Do not clean your wood floors with water or water-based products on a regular schedule. Clean only when necessary and clean only the soiled areas. We specialize in resolving moisture problems, call us for a free estimate or come visit us at our showroom.
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