Handling & Storage

Handling & Storage of Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Flooring manufactured by NOFMA MEMBERS is stored in dry, well ventilated warehouses before shipment. Carriers which handle NOFMA Flooring are required to protect it during shipment to insure it is received in good condition. Abuses during shipment (particularly if the shipment has been wet) should be noted and reported immediately. NOFMA MEMBERS require shipments to be tarped before leaving the premises. (Untarped shipments will be noted on bill of lading)

The following are important recommendations for handling and storing Oak Flooring.

UNLOAD IN DRY WEATHER- If possible, unload flooring in good weather -- never unload in the rain.
DELIVERY- If the atmosphere is damp, cover each truckload of flooring with a tarpaulin until it can be unloaded. Never deliver or store unprotected flooring in rain, sleet, or snow.
PROPER WAREHOUSING- Kiln dried flooring should be stored in an enclosed building that is well ventilated with weather proof windows and located in areas where similar fine millwork is stored. The storage area within the building should be clean and dry. Provide good air circulation around stacks of flooring and prevent water drainage into the storage area.
PREVENT CONDENSATION- When air in a building is warmer than outside air, moisture may form on the underside of the non-insulated roof and affect flooring. Insulation in the roof or walls can prevent condensation. A covered area can also provide protection. If this is not possible, all top pallets should be covered with polyethylene film or other water proof covering. The building should not be heated, unless temperatures are maintained & controlled humidity provided. Continual dry heat may dry flooring below its manufactured moisture content. Too dry flooring could result in buckled floors when flooring is delivered to the job and immediately installed without proper acclimation.
MOISTURE CONTENT- NOFMA MEMBERS' oak flooring is manufactured at 6-9% moisture content. It is desirable to maintain this average moisture content as close as possible.
ACCLIMATE STOCK- Recently manufactured flooring should be allowed to acclimate to the area. This helps prevent cracks which may result if the flooring is installed while at a higher moisture content, oversized, and later shrinks.
ROTATE STOCK- Maintain a -first in -first out- policy. Flooring which is received first should be the first shipped out. Maintain separate flooring stacks, one stack for the old flooring, and one for new flooring. Do NOT place new flooring on top of the old at any time. Use the oldest flooring before using the new.
REGULARLY CHECK STORAGE AREA- Be sure there are no roof leaks, wall leaks, or condensation problems. Cracks in concrete block walls can permit rain or melting snow to leak on flooring. A monthly check is preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE:

Proper installation and care of flooring is available upon request from -

NOFMA
P.O. Box 3009
Memphis, TN 38173-0009
(901)526-5016 between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Time
FAX (901)526-7022 anytime

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