Hey Guys, I spent about 4 hours here last week reading everything I could on installing hardwood floors. The most important thing i learned is the proper preparation of the substrate; including the moisture content.

I posted the question on plastic sheeting in he crawlspace and I have been doing my research on all the alternatives (encapsulate, ventilate etc.) However, I am still lost when it comes to all the things I should be measuring (or seeing if the bidding contractor does it) such as the Relative Humidity and using a moisture meter and hygrometer etc.

Is there any chance any of you could sort of summarize all the moisture related issues that I should be aware of?

Any ideas where to purchase a good RH meter?.. handheld or wall mount?

How 'bout a 'moisture meter' to check the moisture content of the plywood substrate?

Should the relative humidity be the same in the conditioned (living) space as the crawlspace?

Should the RH be kept the same year-round in the house? (Midwest)

Do you guys like humidifiers that attach to the HVAC system? Are they a good idea?

Thanks much in advance....

Steve

Having a humidification system connected to your HVAC system is ideal. It will allow you to maintain a constant RH% in the home. Better for your health and the health of the wood floor.

More important is the moisture content of the sub-floor and the MC of the hardwood you are installing should be within 4%.