Raising the humidity in new construction
3/7/2014 at 11:41:07 AM
We are working on a major renovation/addition and are preparing for the hardwood flooring and kitchen installation (no one is living in the house). We need to raise the humidity level from the current level (about 22%) to about 40% and the small humidifiers available at CT simply do not do the trick.
Is there a larger unit (preferably to rent) available?
The house is a 2 storey 2500 sq. ft, well insulated with gas furnace. We are currently using a gas construction type radiant heater, however the furnace is working and can go on (HRV is not hooked up yet). No humidifier on the furnace (checking if there is one available).
Mark
3/7/2014 at 2:48:28 PM
Is it solid wood flooring? Or engineered? The latter is alot more stable than solid.
Ideally the correct amount of humidity should be set, first, to allow the flooring to equalize to its new home. Not stage you want to rush in. Im assuming its all taped inside aswell?
3/7/2014 at 3:06:15 PM
Hi Mark,
I think I would approach the home owner to purchase an on furnace humidifier as they will need to maintain the levels after you have gone. A good model could be installed by your HVAC contractor.
Leave the HRV off for now as in cold weather the it tends to lower humidity in the house.
Hope this is helpful.
Andy
3/7/2014 at 4:53:28 PM
Call a local tool rental shop. Otherwise you can poly a single room and seal it with a humidifier inside if you are storing it. If you are installing right away, the whole house humidifier works, but still requires 2 days to raise the level.
Tell the owner, if they do not have a whole home humidifier, their wood will split over the changing seasons.
3/10/2014 at 8:08:07 AM
I would get them to install a furnace humidifier, they are relatively cheap and they really should have one anyway. The furnace will have to be kept running even after you leave.The 40% level will have to be maintained at all times so you need a permanent solution.
3/10/2014 at 4:22:57 PM
The suggestion by some to install a furnace humidifier is the wisest choice. You will need to keep the humidity even when job is complete. Long term benefits are just as important as immediate need.
Tom (Whitestone;: renovations)
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