Installation & Troubleshooting

Let our years of experience of hardwood flooring be a guide to helping you bring your home’s new feature to completion.

Installation & Troubleshooting

For full instructions on how to install a Maine Traditions Hardwood Floor, download a PDF below.  These guidelines are subject to change. Please refer here for updates or revisions to current documentation.

Cupping

Problem:

When the relative humidity is high, wood absorbs moisture and expands.
High moisture content of the subfloor
Water damage
Insufficient expansion gap

Solutions:

Control humidity level with dehumidifer or heating system and good ventilation
Maintain a 45% relative humidity level
Raise heat and increase ventilation

Responsibility:

Owner
Installer

Sunshading, Fading

Problem:

When exposed to the sun or other intense light, wood darkens and yellows over time

Solutions:

Occasionally move mats and rugs around to minimize sun exposure and keep changes in color uniform

Responsibility:

Owner

Gapping or Shrinking

Problem:

When the relative humidity is low, wood releases its moisture and contracts, while the plywood base remains stable
Relative humidity level too low
Room too dry
Installation when strips were too humid

Solutions:

Use a humidifier to minimize excessive shrinking of wood strips
Maintain relative humidity level around 45%

Responsibility:

Owner
Installer

Localized Gapping

Problem:

A heat source under surface such as a poorly insulated heating duct or hot water plumbing line

Solutions:

Insulate

Responsibility:

Owner

Random End Gapping

Problem:

Improper installation
Subfloor movement

Solutions:

You will need to have your flooring repaired

Responsibility:

Installer