Optimal Temperature and Humidity
The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) recommends maintaining indoor temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees. For optimal performance, relative humidity should be maintained within a 15% range. For example, between 35% and 50%. In addition to being within the ideal relative humidity for health and comfort, a range of 35% and 50% equalizes wood moisture content of flooring when kiln dried and manufactured per MFMA requirements.
Seasonal Range
Limiting wide swings in atmospheric conditions inside the facility reduces flooring expansion and contraction as related to seasonal flooring growth that may occur during humid summer months as compared to flooring shrinkage that may develop during the drier heating season. A 15% fluctuation between average peak humidity and average minimum humidity provides limited seasonal dimensional changes. Excessive shrinkage and/or expansion may occur with indoor relativity humidity in excess of a 15% variance.
Regional Influence
Climate conditions associated with regional locations may influence a facilities humidity range. For example, installations in dry regions such as southwestern areas of the United States may result in a range of humidity below the optimum 35% to 50% range, whereas installations in especially humid regions such as southeastern states may experience a range of humidity above the optimum 35% to 50% range. In any regard to regional influences, the average peak and average minimum humidity must provide a maximum 15% range to maintain limited seasonal shrinkage and expansion of flooring material.
Available Mechanicals
In buildings where air conditioning is not available, circulating and venting fans should be used if possible, to benefit the targeted humidity range. Opening vents and available corridor doors can also be an option to improve air circulation. Facilities without adequate HVAC equipment to regulate indoor atmosphere, or those facilities that are “closed up” with no ventilation for long periods of time (i.e., summer breaks) are more likely to develop flooring problems directly related to the environment.
If you have additional questions, please contact MFMA's Technical Director at 888-480-9138.
Revised 3/24
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