Climate Variations and Wood Flooring

​Climate can make a big difference in your wood floors! So let's talk about what affects it. You can't change the climate, but you can be realistic about what it means.

A general understanding of the exterior climate zone where your floor is being installed can help you understand the facility’s interior requirements. A brief discussion about the exterior and interior requirements can help people understand the importance of the environment as it allows itself to perform as intended, and ultimately ensure a successful installation.
The facility must align with the flooring requirements.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service suggests the following moisture content (MC) average and ranges for interior wood products:

• United States have an average of 8 percent MC, ranging from 6 to 10 percent MC
• Dry southwestern regions have an average of 6 percent MC, ranging from 4 to 9 percent MC
• Damp, warm coastal areas have an average of  11 percent MC, ranging from 8 to 13 percent MC

N.B. Actual moisture content conditions in any location may differ significantly from these numbers.

Climate Zones are geographic regions based on climate designations as defined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and as specified by the International Residential Code (IRC), and as used by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The climate zone map was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with input from Building America team members Joseph Lstiburek of Building Science Corporation.

The U.S. Department of Energy divided the United States into eight temperature-oriented climate zones. These zones are further divided into three moisture regions designated A, B, and C. Thus, the IECC map allows for up to 24 potential climate designations.
​
It is critical to properly identify what region you are in so be sure to refer to the climate zone listings of most major counties and cities throughout the world.

The climate region definitions are based on heating degree days, average temperatures, and precipitation, and are defined as follows:

1. Hot-Humid: This is defined as a region that receives more than 20 in (50 cm) of annual precipitation and where one or both of the following occur: 67°F (19.5°C) or higher wet bulb temperature for 3,000 or more; or  73°F (23°C) or higher wet bulb temperature for 1,500 or more.
2. Mixed-Humid: A mixed-humid climate is defined when it receives more than 20 in. (50 cm) of annual precipitation, has approximately 5,400 heating degree days (65°F basis) or fewer, and where the average monthly outdoor temperature drops below 45°F (7°C) during the winter months.
3. Hot-Dry: A hot-dry climate generally is defined as a region that receives less than 20 in. (50 cm) of annual precipitation and where the monthly average outdoor temperature remains above 45°F (7°C) throughout the year.
4. Mixed-Dry: A mixed-dry climate is defined as a region that receives less than 20 in. (50 cm) of annual precipitation that has approximately 5,400 heating degree days (65°F basis) or less.
5. Marine: A marine climate generally is defined as a region that meets all of the following criteria:
   • A mean temperature of the coldest month between 27°F (-3°C) and 65°F (18°C).
   • A warmest month mean of less than 72°F (22°C).
   • At least four months with mean temperatures more than 50°F (10°C).
   • A dry season in summer. The month with the heaviest precipitation in the cold season.
6. Cold: A cold climate generally is defined as a region with approximately 5,400 heating degree days (65°F basis) or more and fewer than approximately 9,000 heating degree days (65°F basis).
7. Very Cold: A very cold climate is generally defined as a region with approximately 9,000 heating degree days (65°F basis) or more and fewer than approximately 12,600 heating degree days (65°F basis).
8. Subarctic/Arctic: A subarctic climate generally is defined as a region with approximately 12,600 heating degree days (65° basis) or more.

Regional Climate Zones affect the interior conditions of the facility with a clear understanding of what climate zone the facility is in, owners can now focus on getting the interior of the facility adequately prepared and ready for the flooring being installed. It is the builder and property owner’s responsibility to get it there and keep it there.

CALL TODAY! 407-783-8040