What is moisture balance? Why is it important?
In many different industries involving the use of wood or other moisture absorbing materials, you may hear the term "EMC" occasionally mentioned. Although industry veterans are very familiar with this term, it may not be familiar to beginners in woodworking, flooring, or repair industries.
So, what is EMC and why is it important for people who frequently use wood?
Defining EMC
The term "EMC" is an acronym for Equilibrium Moisture Content. This term is commonly used for "hygroscopic" materials, such as wood. The term "hygroscopicity" refers to materials that absorb moisture from the atmosphere or release it into the atmosphere until it reaches equilibrium with the surrounding environment.
For the woodworking industry, the equilibrium moisture content is defined as the point at which wood stops absorbing moisture or releases it into the surrounding air. At this point, it is said that the material has reached equilibrium with the atmosphere.
So, why is EMC important for carpenters, floor contractors, and repair professionals?
Why EMC is important
For those who frequently use wooden products, there are several reasons why it is important to know that wood meets its EMC, which will be influenced by the average moisture content of the area where the wood is located. Used.
Firstly, when wood absorbs or releases moisture, it expands or contracts. The more water absorbed or released, the more severe the expansion/contraction of wood products.
For example, suppose you want to install a set of wooden flooring boards on a construction site, with an average moisture content of 11%, indicating a humid environment. However, the initial adaptation of wooden boards to areas with an average moisture content of 6% indicates a relatively dry environment.
When exposed to a "humid" environment, the wooden board will begin to absorb moisture from the air and expand slightly.
