The humidity of the places we live in has an important influence on our health as well as that of our parquet.Particularly difficult to manage with the arrival of high temperatures, humidity is in fact one of the main causes of seasonal ailments. Similarly, excessive dryness of the air – due for example to heating – can also be a threat to the house and its inhabitants.
For this purpose, the state of health of our parquet can be a perfect indicator of the healthiness of the air in the home. Wood is a living material that, like us, suffers from less than ideal climatic conditions: its deterioration can therefore be an indication of an unhealthy environment.
Health and parquet: the ideal humidity rate
So what is the ideal humidity level for our health and for the parquet? For the spaces we live in to be comfortable, the temperature should be around 20/21 ° C.
The humidity, on the other hand, must be within a range from 40 to 60%.
There is also a close relationship between humidity and temperature. In general, with the increase in temperature the humidity should decrease and vice versa: therefore an optimal humidity rate is associated with each temperature.
The consequences of the humidity rate on our parquet
Excessive domestic humidity creates an ideal climate for the proliferation of bacteria and fungal spores that can cause allergies and infections. If the indoor climate is too dry, the consequences are instead inflammation of the respiratory tract.
As we have said, excessive humidity also affects the health of the wood which tends to expand, while when the humidity drops, it tends to shrink and crack. A rapid thermohygrometric excursion or the lack of adequate humidification of the environment are also a source of additional stress for the parquet.
How to check the humidity in the house
The simplest solution is to equip yourself with a thermohygrometer, an instrument for measuring the relative humidity of the air, and thus control the humidity rate of the air which, remember, must oscillate between 40 and 60% for a temperature of about 20/21 ° C.
In case the humidity values are too low, low consumption humidifiers are available on the market through which it is possible to re-establish the correct values. Even the classic humidifier to hang on the radiator represents a more than valid solution. On the contrary, when the humidity level is too high, a dehumidifier can help improve the air quality of our home. Most air conditioning systems also function as a dehumidifier, in any case there are valid appliances on the market for every pocket and every need.
Preserving the beauty of parquet therefore means taking care of your health and that of the people we love. In case of warping, curvature or cracking of the parquet it is therefore recommended to measure the humidity in the air so that the correct precautions can be taken.
