This week the Moisture Mob returns for the 5th show in the series by delving into the Hardwood Flooring sector of the industry and exploring how moisture impacts the installation, use, warranty and life of installed hardwood flooring. The Restoration Global Watchdog says, join the Z-man and Radio Joe for an intimate ‘fireside chat” show with Howard Brickman, a pioneer and trailblazer in the hardwood flooring industry!

Howard was a charter member of the NWFA (wood flooring association) and served for years as the manger for inspections and school services for NOFMA  (oak flooring association). He has consulted on or been contracted for many high profile custom installations such as as the Great Hall in Boston’s famous tourist attraction Faneuil Hall. Howard is a self described, “Carpenter-in-Overalls” and served as a technical consultant for the well known home improvement TV show with Bob Vila called, “Home Again”.

Hardwood flooring adds significant value and beauty to a home or commercial space. True hardwood flooring (compared to manufactured wood or simulated flooring, sometimes referred to as “was wood”) can be the most common use of an oak tongue and groove to exotic imported wood varieties from the Amazon. The US Department of Agriculture Forest Products Laboratory publishes a map of the United States showing the variance in moisture content in hardwood flooring based on time of year and climate zone.

Knowing how moisture affects hardwoods based on the type of substrate used, time of year installed and acclimation time required can make the difference between the success or failure of the project. How are finishes affected by a water intrusion and what techniques are used to access the damage and decide if a floor can be restored or must be replaced?

What kind of considerations should a property owner be aware of regarding full refinishing or “screening” a blistered finish on a hardwood floor affected by flooding or simply from high humidity conditions such as an unattended vacation residence? Can severe cupping or crowning of the boards be corrected  with specialty drying techniques or “tricks of the trade” and what about those “black” marks around the nails, are they permanent? What is the useful life of a hardwood installation and how many times can it be refinished?

This week IAQradio+ listeners will hear answers to these questions and other issues addressed involving the installation, use, restoration considerations from water damage and how this high value item gives the building’s decor warmth and atheistic beauty unlike any other finished flooring!  Pete Consigli  opines, with most of the world in social isolation and getting “cabin fever”, why not call in live this week to hear Cliff and Joe banter with Howard Brickman, an icon in the hardwood flooring industry!