When installing new floors, most homeowners focus on appearance, durability, and price—but there’s one silent factor that can make or break your investment: moisture. At Discount Hardwood, we often say moisture testing is the most important step you never see. Whether you’re installing laminate, SPC, WPC, or engineered flooring, skipping this step can lead to expensive repairs, shortened lifespans, and ruined aesthetics.

Let’s break down why moisture testing matters and how it protects your home and your floors.

What Is Moisture Testing and Why Does It Matter?

Moisture testing involves checking both the subfloor and the ambient environment to determine if they’re dry enough for flooring installation. Even a small amount of residual moisture in a concrete slab or wooden subfloor can cause significant issues after installation.

Why Moisture Causes Problems:

• Expansion and Contraction – Flooring materials can swell or shrink when exposed to moisture, leading to warping or gapping.
• Adhesive Failure – Many modern flooring systems rely on adhesives, and excess moisture can weaken the bond.
• Mold & Mildew – Moisture trapped beneath floors can foster the growth of mold, which is both damaging and hazardous to health.
• Product Voids – Failing to test moisture levels before installation may void product warranties.

Moisture and Different Flooring Types

Every type of flooring reacts differently to moisture. At Discount Hardwood, we carry a carefully curated range of flooring types, each with its own moisture sensitivity.

1. Laminate Flooring

Laminate is known for its affordability and style, but it’s highly sensitive to water. Moisture underneath laminate can cause bubbling or delamination.

2. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)

SPC is more stable and water-resistant for up to 72 hours, but high moisture levels can still affect subfloor adhesives or cause microbial growth underneath.

3. WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)

WPC offers a more cushioned feel and is also water-resistant for up to 72 hours, but like SPC, it still requires a dry, level surface to perform at its best.

4. Engineered Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood but still contains real wood layers. These layers can expand or contract with moisture changes if not installed over a properly tested subfloor.

Common Sources of Moisture Problems

Moisture can damage a lot of things, and it’s not always something obvious, like a leaky pipe moisture issues can be subtle and hidden. Here are a few common culprits:

• Concrete subfloors that haven’t fully cured
• High humidity or recent rainfall
• Poor vapor barriers or insulation
• Undetected plumbing leaks
• Basements or ground-level installations

Even newly constructed homes can trap excess moisture, making testing essential no matter the age of the building.

How Is Moisture Testing Done?

While we don’t offer installation guides, we always recommend professional moisture testing before any flooring project. Common testing methods include:

• Calcium Chloride Test (for concrete) – Measures moisture vapor emissions.
• Moisture Meters (for wood subfloors) – Quickly reads the moisture content of wood.
• Hygrometers – Measures the relative humidity in the air, important for acclimation.

Many professional installers will require a written record of these test results before proceeding.

The Risk of Skipping Moisture Testing Steps

You must be thinking that a flooring can not get that much damaged or can not cause a hard time. Skipping moisture testing might seem like a shortcut, but the risks are substantial. From mold growth to adhesive failure, they can be a headache. Here’s a short list of problems you can face if you skip moisture testing:

Avoiding these issues starts with one simple, affordable step: a moisture test.

Ready to Begin Your Flooring Project?

Your floors are more than just a surface—they’re the foundation of your home’s comfort, style, and value. And, like any foundation, they need to be built on stable ground. That’s why moisture testing isn’t optional—it’s essential.

At Discount Hardwood, we carry top-quality laminate, SPC, WPC, and engineered flooring, along with premium underlayments and adhesives that help protect against moisture when installed correctly.

Need help choosing the right material for your space? Visit our showroom or contact us today to speak with a flooring specialist. Your floors deserve a strong start, and that begins with the right moisture protection.

Final Thoughts

Moisture might be invisible, but its effects on your flooring are anything but. No matter the size or scope of your flooring project, testing for moisture before installation is the smartest move you can make. Protect your investment, extend your floor’s lifespan, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your installation was done right from the ground up.

Ready to start your flooring project the right way? Call or visit Discount Hardwood Floors & Molding today for expert guidance, moisture-safe products, and personalized service that protects your investment from the ground up.