Never wet mop a wooden floor. Run the ventilation grilles as much as possible. If the hardwood hollowing you've noticed is only in certain areas, such as near sinks, it may be due to spills or leaks. Always clean up any water spills immediately, and if there is a water leak somewhere, have it repaired before the suction cup damage gets out of control.
Proper cleaning techniques will go a long way in preventing hardwood from hollowing out. Never use a mop that is too wet or too much water to clean the hardwood floor, and never use a steam cleaner. Instead, go over the floor when needed with a dust mop. When you need to wash your floor, choose a hardwood floor cleaner carefully because many will leave behind an ugly, sticky film.
We recommend using our Gaylord floor cleaner, which evaporates instead of settling on the floor. Taking steps to prevent hardwood hollowing can go a long way in minimizing problems, so don't let the suction cup ruin the look of your beautiful hardwood floor. To solve the suction cup problem, the first and most important step is to assess moisture problems. Take the necessary steps to stop or correct the source of the moisture problem.
Certain problems that can cause suction cups include mopping the floor with water, leaking pipes, a damp subfloor, and the environment fluctuating outside an acceptable relative humidity (RH) range for the floor. To dry recessed solid wood floors, start by vacuuming visible water and running industrial fans in the room. Once the area has started to dry, bring a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture stuck in the pores of the wood. Finally, use a moisture meter to check that the area is completely dry.
The hardwood floors are original to the property and are installed in the living room that is located above the lower level of the insulated and heated garage. I would have a certified hardwood floor inspector come out and assess the situation because once he gives his opinion on the cause, he can make a better decision on the solution. The two readings should be within 3-4% for solid floors less than 3″ wide and within 1-2% for solid floors greater than 3″ wide. Once the area has dried sufficiently, carry the dehumidifier and run it simultaneously to ensure that the wood is as dry as possible.
We noticed that the edges of the floorboards were slightly raised in June, after the renovation was completed. Unfortunately, in doing so, floors will often be in place before heating and air conditioning systems have been established. Consult the moisture meter manufacturer to determine the correct meter configuration for the wood subfloor being tested. After drying floors with fans and dehumidifiers, use the moisture meter to check that there are no moisture stains left in the pores of the wood.
These products are especially valuable in situations where the environment is not ideal for a hardwood floor, where another floor would have no chance of success. You should also take the time to ensure that your floorboards achieve a stable internal moisture content level that will last for many years to come. Although most moisture problems are thought to stem from broken pipes or leaks, it's not uncommon to see moisture affecting the floor from the subfloor. If you find hollowed out floors in your home, be sure to address the problem quickly to prevent further damage.
