What moisture content should I specify for timber flooring?
BS 8201 provides general guidance on the moisture content that timber flooring will generally settle to in different environments, as follows:
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Unheated conditions
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15% to 19%
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Intermittent heating
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10% to 14%
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Continuous heating
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9% to 11%
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Under floor heating
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6% to 8%
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However, in TRADA's experience, the moisture content that timber flooring will settle to in these service conditions can vary from the values given in BS 8201. In particular, specifying a moisture content for timber flooring, special consideration needs to be given to the heating/air conditioning regime of the building, and to the location in the building where the flooring is to be installed. For example, a conservatory in a house or a glazed atrium in a commercial building may be subject to significant solar gain throughout the year.
Further information can be found in the publications listed below.
TRADA also provides a range of services for building designers, product manufacters and end users of timber flooring, including the design, specification or inspections of timber flooring, for more information please follow this link
Decorative Timber Flooring.
Outlines the types of decorative flooring available ie solid timber and multi-layer or engineered types. It discusses the timber properties required, suitable species and the all-important considerations of environmental conditions and moisture content. Finally, floor construction, laying and finishing seals are considered.
Sealing timber floors: A best practice guide
Deals with seal types and the selection, floor preparation, schedule specification and application of seals. Identifies common faults and their prevention. Covers polishing and maintenance and measures which can be adopted to avoid wear. Refurbishment and stripping of existing floors is also covered.
Seals for timber floors: A specification guide
Provides objective guidance on commercially available seals. Thirty products were subjected to a programme of laboratory tests, each dealing with a different performance criterion. A list of 'top ten' products for each of the tests allows users to select products that best meet the demands created by particular end-use environments. Describes the test methods used and explains how to use the guide through worked examples.
