Since laminate flooring is sensitive to humidity fluctuations, asking whether a humidifier can cause damage to laminate is a reasonable question.
So, is it safe to use a humidifier on laminate flooring? The short answer is, Yes, humidifiers will not damage your laminate floors. However, both high and low humidity can damage laminate flooring, so manufacturers recommend humidity levels between 40% and 60%, so you’ll want to maintain those levels to avoid any damage, and take a few other precautions to protect your floors, which I’ll cover below.
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Benefits of a Humidifier for Laminate Flooring
Using a humidifier can actually help prevent your indoor environment from becoming too dry for your laminate, especially during the winter months when your heating system reduces humidity.
Proper humidity levels help prevent drying problems such gaps and cracks between laminate floorboards.
On the flip side, while dryness can be an issue, excessive moisture can also harm your laminate flooring. If humidity levels are too high (above 60%), laminate flooring can absorb excess moisture and swell, warp, or blister.
Potential Pitfalls of Running a Humidifier in a Room with Laminate Flooring
As we’ve discussed there is an optimum humidity level for laminate flooring of between 40% and 60%. Going above or below these levels can lead to problems and damage to your laminate.
Excessive humidity can cause the edges of laminate floors to curl upwards, a phenomenon called “cupping.” This deformation occurs when the edges absorb more moisture than the center of the board. Cupping can cause uneven surfaces and damage.
Low humidity can cause the laminate plates to shrink and create gaps between them. Not only do these gaps look unsightly, but they also tend to collect dust and dirt, making maintenance difficult.
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How to Avoid Humidifier Damage to Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring consists of a layer of wood and a protective top layer. The woody layer can expand or contract due to changes in humidity. Therefore, maintaining proper humidity levels is important to maintain the integrity of your laminate floor.
This all makes it important to understand how moisture affects laminate floors and how to properly use a humidifier to prevent potential problems.
Here’s what you need to know about using a humidifier in rooms with laminate floors:
Maintain Ideal Humidity Levels
As mentioned earlier, laminate floors perform well in environments with relative humidity between 40% and 60%.
This range prevents the flooring from drying out too much and potentially causing cracking and shrinkage.
Don’t Put Your Humidifier Directly On Your Laminate Floor
In general, it is not recommended to place humidifiers directly on laminate floors for several reasons:
- Risk of moisture damage: Because humidifiers add moisture to the air, placing them directly on laminate floors may cause localized moisture. Laminate flooring is susceptible to damage from excess moisture, which can cause the boards to swell, warp, and form bubbles. Placing the humidifier directly on the floor increases the risk of such damage.
- Water Leaks: Humidifiers can sometimes leak or drip water, especially if they are overfilled or not properly maintained. Placing a humidifier on the floor increases the risk of leaks and leaks, which can be particularly damaging to laminate floors.
- Lack of Air Circulation: Placing the humidifier on the floor can prevent proper air circulation around the device. Good air circulation distributes moisture evenly throughout the room and prevents localized moisture build-up that can negatively affect laminate floors.
How to Use a Humidifier with Laminate Floors The Right Way
Here are some simple tips to use your humidifier in a room with laminate flooring in such a way that any damage is unlikely:
- Elevate the humidifier: Place the humidifier on a stable, waterproof surface, such as a table or a dedicated humidifier stand. This raises the humidifier above the floor and reduces the risk of water damage to the laminate.
- Use a tray or mat: Consider placing a waterproof tray or mat under the humidifier to prevent drips and spills. This provides an extra layer of protection to your laminate flooring.
- Humidity Monitoring: Regularly monitor indoor humidity using a hygrometer. To protect both your flooring and your health, adjust your humidifier settings to maintain humidity within the recommended range (usually 40% to 60%).
- Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on your humidifier to prevent leaks and breakdowns. To minimize the risk of water-related problems, empty and clean the water tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion: Your Humidifier is Welcome
Wrapping it up, using a humidifier with laminate flooring is generally safe, as long as you stick to a few key guidelines. Remember, maintaining a balanced humidity level between 40% and 60% is crucial. This sweet spot helps prevent the laminate from drying out and cracking or absorbing excess moisture and swelling.
It’s also smart to avoid placing the humidifier directly on the laminate. Instead, set it on a waterproof surface or stand and consider a tray or mat underneath for extra protection. Keep an eye on the humidity with a hygrometer and stay on top of humidifier maintenance to prevent leaks. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a humidifier without worrying about damaging your beautiful laminate floors. Stay informed, stay prepared, and you’ll keep your home comfortable and your floors in top shape.
thewriteDuffy
At home, April is a mom, wife, and DIY darling. Among other home projects, she helped her husband Dan renovate their 1986 bungalow and is currently designing and decorating the 2023 custom home they are building themselves. Professionally, April is a writer, author, and online marketer with 15 years of experience writing for newspapers and magazines, building online authority websites, and publishing books.
With any project, 80 percent of the work is done in the planning stage. We have simple checklists to help you get organized and make sure you’re prepared for every step along the way. Download them now for FREE: