Environmental Temperature and Humidity
This section will deal with site conditions as related to temperature and humidity as set forth by both ACS and various flooring manufacturers
requirements. A successful carpet installation will depend a great deal on the installation environment. The importance of this initial site requirement cannot be over stated. It is critical to the quality of
installation and the performance of the flooring materials that the site be temperature stable.
The environment should be temperature stable at a minimum of 65 degrees F and a maximum relative humidity of 65% for a minimum of 48 hours prior to the
installation of any floor-coverings. All flooring materials will react adversely to radical changes in temperature and humidity both prior to and after installation. When occupied, the site will be environmentally
stable which will make the installed flooring dimensionally stable therefore all materials should be installed in conditions as close to the expected occupied conditions as possible. Ideally, all flooring materials
should be stored on site at these ideal conditions at least 72 hours prior to installation. This will allow the materials to acclimate to the site conditions. The key here is to obtain a dimensionally stable
installation for the proper performance of the flooring over it's intended lifespan?.
Many performance problems can arise due to improper adherence to these recommendations. Exposure to extreme temperate variations will cause thermal
expansion and contraction in most all types of floor-coverings. It is not uncommon to see newly installed hardwood floors cupped and buckled in some areas due to high moisture at the time of installation. The
sanding and finishing step will correct some of this problem but not totally. (See hardwood info. sheet) It is well known and often observed that carpets installed in any new construction site in a cold environments
will
wrinkle and buckle immediately after move in when the heat comes on. Vinyl flooring, composition tile, vinyl tiles, and cove base may separate at the seams, buckle and crack, wrinkle, or the adhesive
may release altogether when the temperature changes
too quickly. Ceramic tile is least affected by extremes in temperature and humidity because both the material and the installation procedures have
inherent expansion and contraction characteristics.
Be sure to check out Cold Season Flooring Installation Part 1 for more important information.
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