# Moisture differential

*Also called: moisture delta, MC differential*

**The difference between the moisture content of the flooring material and that of the subfloor, which must sit inside an acceptable range before installation.**

Two readings that are each individually plausible can still be incompatible with each other. Both must sit within the manufacturer’s and the installer’s acceptable delta.

A large differential guarantees dimensional change after installation, regardless of how well the floor is laid. There is no warranty language that overrides it.

## Related terms

- [Moisture content](https://ecowoods.ca/glossary/moisture-content)
- [Acclimation](https://ecowoods.ca/glossary/acclimation)
- [Cupping](https://ecowoods.ca/glossary/cupping)
- [Crowning](https://ecowoods.ca/glossary/crowning)


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## Provenance

- Canonical URL: https://ecowoods.ca/glossary/moisture-differential
- Publisher: Ecowoods Inc., Toronto & the GTA
- Contact: (647) 244-5156 · services@ecowoods.ca
- Defined in: https://ecowoods.ca/papers/toronto-hardwood-climate-moisture-protocol#moisture-testing
- Citation guide: https://ecowoods.ca/ai.txt

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