Have questions? We have answers! Keep scrolling to learn all about cupping!
What is cupping?
Cupping is a term used for hardwood floorboards with edges that are higher than the center of the board. Imagine a slight "U" shape in your floorboard.
What causes cupping?
Cupping is caused by excessive moisture being absorbed into hardwood floorboards. This moisture could be from a leak, a spill, subflooring moisture, or even a change in the humidity, so keep an eye out for problems that fit in any of these categories.
Why is cupping bad?
Aside from being unsightly, cupping can affect the boards around it since it is a form of warping. In extreme cases it may even be drastic enough to catch your toes or shoes on.
Can cupping be fixed?
If the moisture causing cupping is immediately taken care of and the floor is thoroughly dried, cupping can be fixed. If, however, you allow the moisture to affect your floor for any amount of time it is unlikely that you'll be able to completely reverse the problem.
How do you prevent cupping?
The prevention of cupping begins before you even install your floor. You will have to acclimate your hardwood boards to the climate of your home. Once your floor is secured in place you can work against cupping by monitoring the humidity and temperature in your home. Keep it at a consistent level.
How do you fix cupping?
If you find yourself facing a cupping problem, you must first start by thoroughly drying the area and normalizing the humidity. You can then sand the area down and refinish the floors surface. And, of course, you can save some time and money by calling your favorite flooring company to take care of this messy business for you!
Happy Flooring!