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Humidity

The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) recommends maintaining indoor relative humidities between 35 percent and 50 percent, and air temperatures between 55 degrees and 75 degrees year-round. By limiting wide swings in atmospheric conditions inside the facility, you will reduce the expansion and contraction of the flooring system. If flooring materials are properly acclimated, a 15 percent fluctuation in indoor relative humidity will not adversely affect the maple. Excessive shrinkage and/or expansion may occur with indoor relative humidity variations in excess of 15 percent.

In buildings where air conditioning is not available, many facility managers make use of circulating or venting fans. Other facilities have vent windows or corridor doors available to open as needed to improve air circulation. Facilities without adequate HVAC equipment to regulate the indoor atmosphere, or those facilities that are "closed up" with no ventilation for long periods of time (summer breaks) are more likely to develop flooring problems directly related to environment.

If you have additional questions, please contact MFMA's Technical Director at 847-480-9138.

Rev. February 2005

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