Hello,

About a year ago, we had Bellawood Brazilian redwood flooring installed in our living room (22'x12'). We live in Western NY. In late summer/early fall we started noticing cracks in a couple of boards and contacted our installer. The installer said that he'd need to replace the boards. Because of schedules and holidays, the installer wasn't able to get out until late January. By then the number of cracked boards grew and a few of the cracks were 8" in length. Because of this, he said we needed to open a case with the services company that had contracted him.

They came out in March, but we weren't able to track down a report until recently. The report states that the moisture content of the flooring was between 16-21% at the time of inspection. However, the moisture content of the subflooring was 6% (measure underneath from the basement) and the house was at 70 degrees and 32% humidity. At the time of installation, the flooring moisture content was 7%.

Given the surrounding environment, a flooring moisture content that high doesn't seem to make sense. In general, we maintain a moderate humidity level. We don't run a humidifier in the winter and in the summer, we use the A/C during humid days. We also run a dehumidifer in the basement, which is just below the living room.

I'd appreciate any insight into our situation and possible explanations into why the moisture readings might be that elevated.

Thank you,

Chris

You need to get a second opinion because many times the inspector is biased for the company that hires them. Lots of times their meter has never been recalibrated either. And some have never installed a stick of wood. Theres the NWFA website where you can find a NWFA inspector.

Thank you for your reply. I figured we would need to get an independent inspection, but was wondering if the scenario in the report was plausible. Unfortunately, there aren't any certified inspectors from NWFA in our area, so we'll need to investigate more to find someone to help us.

Regards,

Chris

Well if the subfloor was 6% and the interior of the home was 70F @ 32% rh at the time of inspection according to the Equilibrium Moisture Content Chart, your wood should be aropund 6 to 7% MC. Its nearly impossible for it to be 16 to 21%