How does wood absorb moisture?
How does wood absorb moisture? Wood is hygroscopic, which means just like a sponge the moisture content will change depending on the relative humidity of the surrounding air. When humidity increases, the wood absorbs moisture from the air causing the wood to expand. Does wood repel or absorb water? Wood is porous, so it absorbs water and, when it does, the wood expands and warps causing structural problems. While no wood is completely waterproof, a few species of wood resist water better than others, and some paints and sealers make wood waterproof. How long does it take for wood to...