Humidity and Temperature

With proper care, your cabinetry will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care includes providing a wood-friendly environment. Many of the internal environmental issues that affect human comfort also contribute to a wood healthy environment. Specifically, controlled temperature and humidity with minimal changes from day to day and season to season will ensure not only your comfort, but will ensure the stability and life of your wood cabinets.

Moisture:

Repeated short-term exposure to moisture such as splashing from a sink or even a single longer term event such as pooling WILL result in irreversible damage to your cabinetry.
Steam, as from cooktops, crock pots and improperly sealed dishwashers can cause moisture issues as well.
Moisture should be wiped from surfaces immediately to minimize damage. If the wood has a chance to absorb moisture, efforts should be taken to dry out the wood including any substrates immediately.
If moisture has the chance to seep under the finish, it can crack and peel off. No water should stand on the surface or inside edges of doors or mouldings.
Avoid direct dry heat and instead use fans and dehumidifiers.
Immediate attention reduces the amount of damage and also reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew.

Humidity:

Wood expands as humidity increases and shrinks as humidity decreases.
Unfinished wood will exhibit drastic changes in humidity.
Finished wood will change with long-term changes in humidity.
Finishes temper humidity swings by slowing the transfer of moisture but will not stop it entirely.
Solid wood will dimensionally change more across the grain than with the grain. Plywood, particle board, and MDF are more dimensionally stable.
Particle board and MDF exposed to water directly will expand in thickness quickly and dramatically.
As wood expands (swells) and contracts with changes in humidity, the finish at the joints will crack. This is the most prominent in a painted finish.
Regardless, this is the nature of products made from wood and NOT a reason for replacement.
Where the humidity exposure is inconsistent, pieces will warp, cup, or bow.
Most often, if the humidity level is returned to a normal level and maintained for a period of time, these issues will remediate themselves.
The optimal humidity level is 35% to 50% relative humidity.
Extreme conditions lower than 20% or higher than 80% need to be avoided.
While most focus is on too wet or too humid conditions, too dry conditions can be equally damaging to cabinetry.
Extreme dry conditions can lead to cracking in solid wood components.
In dry conditions the insert panels in doors will shrink and the panel edges will be exposed.
The exposed, unfinished edges will not match the finished surface of the rest of the panel.
This is not reason for a replacement, but is instead and indication that humidity levels are too low and need to be remedied.

Temperature:

Temperature variations will cause some of the same problems as humidity variations and the two are often interrelated.
Temperature increases cause the material to expand.
Temperature decreases cause the material to contract, or shrink.
Sudden temperature changes cause more dramatic changes to the material.
Temperature changes are more likely to lead to cracking, splitting, warping, cupping and bowing in any wood component.

Remediation:

Use dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners in the summer to control excess humidity.
Use a humidifier to keep the air from becoming too dry in the winter months.
Maintain climate control during the off season of cottages or vacation homes to reduce the risk of damage.

Temperature and humidity are also affected by:

Proper outside drainage
Adequate insulation
Properly installed vapor barriers
Adequate and proper ventilation and air exchange

Remember: Properly controlling temperatures and humidity inside the house is healthier for you and as well for the cabinetry and furniture within.

These basic maintenance tips will help you enjoy your new cabinetry and millwork for many years to come.

Do you have any maintenance questions? Give us a call or visit our shop. We are always happy to help!