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Moisture Infiltration

Wood flooring may have different issues that may arise after moisture infiltration has occurred. Examples of moisture infiltration would include roof leaks, large spills, burst pipe, etc. The following is a list of issues that have frequently occurred.

• Compression Set and Associated Shrinkage
• Moisture infiltration may cause excessive shrinkage gaps between flooring strips that are commonly larger than normal seasonal shrinkage gaps after the wood returns to its normal moisture content range.
  
  
• Cupping and/or Crowning
• Cupping and/or crowning may take place from moisture infiltration due to expansion pressure from the flooring strips taking in excessive moisture.
  
  
• Flooring Issues
• Moisture infiltration may affect the integrity of the flooring and the deterioration of the flooring fasteners.
• The most common affect on flooring from moisture infiltration is in the form of splits and end checks.  
  
  
• Finish Issues
• Excessive expansion and contraction of the flooring strips may cause bonding issues of the floor finish, game lines and logos.
  
  
• Mold and Dry Rot  
• Mold and dry rot on or below flooring strips may be a symptom of prolonged exposure to moisture.
• Contact your local health officials for local ordinance on proper procedures when dealing with mold.
  
  
• Continued Performance
• The flooring manufacturer and installing contractor cannot guarantee that floors and floor systems affected by moisture will perform as originally designed. 
• Maple wood floors that have been exposed to moisture infiltration may have ongoing performance issues, which include, but not limited to, dead spots, fractured or splintering boards, and/or uniformity concerns.

If you have experienced moisture infiltration, please contact your MFMA Sport Floor Contractor or contact the MFMA’s Technical Director at 888-480-9138.

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