FAQ

Products

Installation

Maintenance

Prevention

To avoid emergence of other problems, maintaining a proper environment is essential. The comfort zone which is ideal for all hardwood is between 40 and 55% humidity and a temperature of about 22 ° C. The environment is largely responsible for any problems with this type of product. Wood is a living material that adapts to its environment. If the environment is too dry, the wood adjusts losing its internal moisture and then deforms. If the environment is too wet, the wood gains moisture and also deforms.

Most problems occur during seasonal changes, mainly when fall gives way to winter, when the heating system is turned on and the air becomes drier. Some devices must sometimes be used over a period of time - more or less extended - to correct too low or too high humidity, such as air conditioning, a humidifier, etc. (Reference: Maintenance Guide)

Associated problems: micro-cracking of boards, dry formwork of engineered boards and in extreme cases, delamination.

N.B. During extended absences, when there is no human activity in the home or secondary residence (washer, shower or dishwasher in operation, etc.), it’s important to take the necessary steps to maintain a proper environment. It is, therefore, highly recommended that someone you trust carry out regular visits to ensure that minimum environmental considerations are maintained.

Definitions of current problems

Moist formwork: Concave deformity of boards due to wood moisture gain. Boards deform individually, which gives the floor a hilly aspect when light is reflected on its surface. Excess moisture can come from either the subfloor or the environment.

Dry formwork: Dry formwork dry is similar to the wet form, but affects only engineered products. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood will undergo concave deformity if hardwood sawing located on the surface experiences moisture loss. In this case, the hardwood lumber dehydrates faster than the substrate on which it is glued.

N.B. Improper storage of wood in a non-controlled environment (house, garage, warehouse, etc.) for long periods can also be the source of the problem.

Micro-cracks: These are fracture lines on the surface of the boards caused by a movement of wood in the process of deforming which is often linked to improper humidity conditions.

Telegraphy: Telegraphy is defined as a compression of the fiber under the cross-ties that affect light reflection. The light reflected on a small surface in another direction gives the visual effect of a bump on the floor surface. This phenomenon occurs primarily where there are cross-ties and is most noticeable on hard and dense wood species in highly lit rooms.

Wood oxidation: This phenomenon is related to the maturing of the floor due to the light to which it is exposed and which causes a slight yellowing of the floor over the years. The more the floor is exposed to UV rays, the more this phenomenon occurs quickly and intensely. Mercier Wood Flooring adds anti-yellowing agents to its finish to slow and reduce this natural phenomenon.

Appearance of white lines in the V joints: on certain species of wood such as oak and ash, paler lines in the V joints may appear. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the light reflection on the V joints under certain lighting conditions. At a certain angle, this phenomenon seems accentuated when light is reflected on the V-joint at a 45 degree angle. Darker colours and wood growth rings are more visible on these species and also give the illusion of a white line in the V joint.

Tips and tricks

• Repair kit, marker for oiled wood.
• Minimize telegraphy (nail, prior adjustment to the nailer).
• Make the right flooring choice according to expectations, etc.
• Prior to installation, consult the information documents (without becoming an expert, this allows you to detect any anomaly during or after the floor laying and to ask the right questions).