Prevent Sun Damage & Movement in Timber Flooring

Timber Flooring Challenges

Installing timber flooring in a new extension with floor-to-ceiling glass? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are embracing open-plan living with full-height windows and sliding doors to maximise natural light and outdoor views. But as any experienced builder knows, this can also introduce challenges when it comes to maintaining the integrity of solid timber flooring.

Direct sunlight and heat can affect the performance and appearance of timber flooring over time. Fading, colour changes, and board movement (especially gapping) are common issues if steps aren’t taken early in the build. Here’s what to consider to ensure timber floors look great and perform well long after handover.

• Ensure the flooring substrate is dry and similar moisture content to the flooring to be installed over it. Moisture barriers over concrete and sub-floor ventilation are very important.
  
• Acclimatising the flooring may not be necessary if the room conditions are similar to the expected lived in conditions. This can be difficult in new builds without heating and cooling appliances installed. Knowing the moisture content of the flooring is close to the home equilibrium moisture content allows you to install it immediately.

• Consider external shade battens if blinds/curtains are not to be installed to minimise UV exposure. Deciduous trees that provide shade in the summer months and light in the winter months could be considered.
  
  
• Double glazing will minimise the heat that transfers into the home, though if allowed eventual heat build-up can also become trapped in the home in the same way. Ventilation here (including the roof) is important to allow heat to escape.

• Don’t let the flooring dry out from being locked up for long periods over warm weather. A hygrometer can be used to check and monitor the humidity in the home. Alternatively, climate control measures in the home can be installed.

• Reducing the floorboard width also reduces its potential movement, 85×19 is more stable than 130×19. Wider flooring will show greater gapping.

• Advising clients and Architects that their particular design or choice of flooring may affect its performance and final appearance, ideally in writing, is recommended.

Need expert advice or timber flooring inspiration?

If you are looking for some inspiration, timber flooring range or would like to see what else is available at Bowens, please visit Circa Showroom for expert advice including the supply and installation of timber flooring.