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Custom Architectural Woodwork & Specialty Finishes
Custom Architectural Woodwork & Specialty Finishes
Wood is hygroscopic. This means that the wood will take on moisture from the surrounding air when it is humid and release moisture when the air is dry. The air temperature and relative humidity are what affect how much moisture wood contains. Over time wood will always come to equilibrium with the moisture content of the air surrounding it. The recommended relative humidity to prevent damage to millwork/casework is 30%-55%. Anything above 55% and the wood will begin to absorb moisture from the air. Anything below 30% and the wood will release moisture into the air.
The Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI) 200 – Care & Storage Standard has set 3 climate zones in the continental United States for acceptable temperature and humidity levels. Most of the US is in zone 2 that states the optimum climate controlled relative humidity is between 30%-55%. All climate-controlled environments should maintain a temperature between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity levels and temperature should not fall outside of the acceptable range for more than 24 hours. Most division 6 specifications in commercial construction will state that no casework/millwork will be installed until all wet work is completed and the climate control systems are in place and working. What happens when temperature and humidity fall outside of the acceptable range?
Wikipedia defines fiber saturation point as the point in the drying process at which only water bound in the cell walls remains – all other water (free water) having been removed from the cell cavities. Further drying will result in shrinkage causing cracking, exposed edge panels and worse. When there is too much moisture in the air, the wood will absorb the moisture in the cell cavities, causing the wood to swell. The damage that can be caused by too much moisture is warping, swelling, joint failure, finish deterioration, and cracking.
At Giffin Interior we know what can happen to the millwork/casework in an environment that does not have stable climate control. We use SensorPush monitoring for environments that where we are installing our millwork. These sensors take temperature and humidity level readings at an interval that we select. If the climate goes outside of acceptable levels, we notify our customer/partner. Our partners generally are happy when they are notified that air conditions are not optimal as they might not otherwise know there is a problem. The result is that we provide a properly manufactured and installed product that will last for generations.
Contact Giffin Interior to discuss your next large/unique millwork project. sales@giffininterior.com
