Hardwood flooring is one of the most beautiful and durable flooring options available for homes and businesses. Its natural appearance, longevity, and ability to increase property value make it a popular choice among homeowners. However, even well-maintained hardwood floors can develop gaps between planks over time. If you have noticed spaces appearing between your hardwood floorboards, you are not alone. Mike’s Custom Flooring will share why these gaps occur and help you determine whether they are a normal seasonal change or a sign of a more serious issue.
Understanding Hardwood as a Natural Material
Unlike synthetic flooring materials, hardwood is a natural product that constantly reacts to its environment. Wood absorbs and releases moisture depending on the humidity levels in your home. As moisture levels change, hardwood planks expand and contract. This natural movement is the most common reason gaps develop between floorboards.
Seasonal Humidity Changes
One of the primary causes of gaps in hardwood flooring is seasonal fluctuations in humidity.
• Winter Months: During colder months, heating systems remove moisture from the air, creating a drier indoor environment. As humidity drops, hardwood planks lose moisture and shrink slightly. This shrinkage can cause small gaps to appear between boards.
• Summer Months: In warmer, more humid weather, hardwood absorbs moisture and expands. Many of the gaps that appeared during winter may partially or completely disappear during the summer.
Seasonal gapping is generally considered normal and is common in many hardwood floors.
Low Indoor Humidity Levels
Even outside of seasonal changes, consistently low humidity levels inside your home can cause hardwood planks to shrink excessively. Most hardwood flooring manufacturers recommend maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to minimize excessive wood movement.
Improper Installation
Gaps can also occur if hardwood flooring was not installed correctly. Common installation mistakes include:
• Improper Acclimation: Before installation, hardwood flooring should be allowed to acclimate to the home’s temperature and humidity levels. If planks are installed too soon, they may shrink or expand after installation.
• Incorrect Moisture Testing: Professional installers should test both the flooring material and the subfloor for moisture content before installation. Failing to do so can result in future movement and gapping.
• Improper Fastening: If planks are not properly secured, movement can occur over time, creating uneven spacing between boards.
Excessive Moisture Loss
Hardwood flooring can experience substantial shrinkage when exposed to unusually dry conditions for extended periods. When wood loses too much moisture, gaps can become wider and more noticeable than normal seasonal changes.
Water Damage & Moisture Problems
While dryness causes shrinkage, previous moisture damage can also contribute to future gapping. If the wood is exposed to moisture the wood may swell and later shrink unevenly as it dries. This movement can permanently alter the shape of the planks and lead to persistent gaps.
Aging Hardwood Floors
Older hardwood floors often develop gaps simply due to years of natural expansion and contraction cycles. Some gaps in older homes are considered part of the floor’s character and charm.
Hardwood Floor Installation, Repairs, Refinishing & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA
If gaps become large, persistent, or are accompanied by other signs of floor damage, it may be time to consult a hardwood flooring professional. If you need help repairing or installing hardwood floors, contact Mike’s Custom Flooring today.
