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Why Are There Gaps Between My Hardwood Floorboards?
If you've started noticing gaps between your hardwood floorboards, you're not alone. Small spaces between boards can appear over time, especially as the seasons change. In some homes, the gaps are temporary and become less noticeable when humidity increases. In other cases, they can point to a flooring or moisture issue that needs professional attention.
For homeowners with hardwood flooring in Springfield, MO, understanding why gaps appear can help you determine whether they're a normal seasonal
change or something that should be repaired.
Why Do Hardwood Floorboards Develop Gaps?
Hardwood is a natural material. Unlike tile or other manufactured flooring, wood responds to changes in moisture and humidity.
When the air becomes drier, hardwood can lose moisture and contract. This can cause small spaces to appear between individual boards. During more humid periods, the wood may absorb moisture and expand again.
This seasonal movement is one of the most common reasons homeowners notice gaps in their wood flooring in Springfield, MO.
The National Wood Flooring Association recommends maintaining indoor relative humidity around 30% to 50% to help minimize excessive movement in wood flooring.
Are Gaps Between Hardwood Floors Normal?
Sometimes, yes.
Small gaps that appear during a particularly dry season aren't necessarily a sign that something is wrong with your flooring. If the gaps become smaller when humidity levels increase, they're likely related to normal seasonal
movement.
However, large, persistent, or rapidly developing gaps deserve a closer look.
The NWFA notes that gaps that are wider than expected or don't close during more humid periods may require professional evaluation.
Instead of immediately filling the gaps, it's important to determine what's causing them first.
Why Springfield, MO Homes Can Experience Seasonal Gaps
Springfield and surrounding Southwest Missouri communities experience significant changes throughout the year.
Hot, humid summers can be followed by cold, dry winters. Once the furnace starts running regularly, indoor air can become much drier than it was during the summer.
That change can cause hardwood boards to contract.
You may notice gaps becoming more obvious in:
Hallways
Living rooms
Dining rooms
Areas near heating vents
Large open rooms
Older hardwood floors
If the gaps appear primarily during the dry season and decrease when indoor humidity rises, seasonal movement may be the explanation.
Can Low Humidity Cause Gaps in Hardwood Floors?
Yes.
Dry indoor air is one of the most common reasons hardwood floors develop temporary gaps.
When wood loses moisture, it contracts. When it gains moisture, it expands.
This doesn't mean you should dramatically increase the humidity in your home to make the gaps disappear. Excessive humidity can create its own problems, including expansion, cupping, and other forms of wood movement.
The goal is consistency, not extreme humidity.
A basic indoor hygrometer can help you monitor humidity levels throughout the year.
Could Installation Problems Cause Hardwood Floor Gaps?
Yes. Not every gap is caused by seasonal changes.
Installation and site conditions can also contribute to excessive movement.
Potential factors include:
Improper acclimation
Inadequate moisture testing
Incorrect installation methods
Subfloor moisture
Improper spacing
Flooring installed in unsuitable conditions
Excessive environmental changes
This is one reason choosing an experienced company for hardwood flooring installation in Springfield, MO is so important.
Proper installation begins before the first board is even installed. The flooring, subfloor, and indoor environment all need to be considered.
Can Water Damage Cause Gaps Between Floorboards?
Moisture can affect hardwood in several different ways.
A significant water event can cause boards to swell, cup, buckle, or become damaged. Once the flooring dries, boards may not always return completely to their original condition.
Water damage can come from obvious sources like flooding or plumbing leaks, but smaller problems can also develop around:
Exterior doors
Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Sinks
Bathrooms
Pet water bowls
If gaps appeared after a leak or other moisture event, it's a good idea to have the flooring inspected rather than simply filling the spaces.
Should You Fill the Gaps Between Hardwood Floorboards?
It depends on the size and cause of the gaps.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is filling seasonal gaps before determining whether the flooring is still moving.
If the boards expand again during a humid season, filler may crack, squeeze out, or create an uneven appearance.
For small seasonal gaps, controlling the indoor environment may be all that's necessary.
For larger or permanent gaps, a professional hardwood flooring contractor can determine whether filling, board replacement, repairs, or refinishing is appropriate.
Can Hardwood Floor Refinishing Fix Gaps?
Hardwood flooring refinishing can improve the appearance of a floor and address many surface problems, but refinishing alone isn't necessarily a solution for every type of gap.
If the gaps are caused by seasonal contraction, moisture issues, loose boards, or another underlying problem, that issue should be addressed first.
However, if an older floor has widespread wear along with permanent gaps, refinishing and other restoration work may be part of a larger solution.
This is why it's important to have the floor evaluated rather than assuming refinishing is automatically the answer.
What About Older Hardwood Floors?
Older hardwood floors can develop gaps for a variety of reasons.
Some older homes have experienced decades of seasonal expansion and contraction. Previous repairs, changes in the home's heating and cooling system, or years of fluctuating humidity can also affect the flooring.
That doesn't necessarily mean the floor needs to be replaced.
Depending on its condition, an older hardwood floor may be a good candidate for:
Professional repairs
Board replacement
Recoating
Refinishing
Occasional maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of real hardwood is that it can often be restored instead of removed.
When Should You Call a Hardwood Floor Repair Professional?
A few small seasonal gaps may not be cause for concern. But it's worth having your flooring inspected if you notice:
Large gaps between boards
Gaps that remain year-round
Gaps that are getting progressively larger
Buckling or cupping
Loose boards
Squeaking or significant movement
Water stains
Soft areas
Gaps accompanied by visible damage
A professional can determine whether you're dealing with normal seasonal movement or a problem that requires repair.
How to Help Prevent Excessive Gaps
While you can't stop hardwood from naturally responding to its environment, you can help minimize excessive movement.
Monitor indoor humidity
Try to keep your home's humidity relatively consistent throughout the year.
Address leaks quickly
Don't allow water to sit on hardwood floors, and investigate recurring moisture problems.
Use proper cleaning methods
Avoid soaking your floors or using steam cleaners unless specifically approved by the flooring manufacturer.
Protect high-traffic areas
Entry mats and rugs can help reduce wear and protect the finish.
Have problems addressed early
If boards are becoming loose or damaged, dealing with the problem early may prevent more extensive repairs later.
Don't Ignore Changing Hardwood Floors
Seeing gaps between your hardwood floorboards can be concerning, but it doesn't automatically mean your flooring is failing.
Some gaps are simply the result of seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Others can be related to installation, moisture, movement, or damage.
The important thing is determining why the gaps are there before deciding how to fix them.
If your hardwood flooring in Springfield, MO is showing gaps, movement, or other changes, B&B Hardwood Floors can help.
Hardwood Floor Repair in Springfield, MO
At B&B Hardwood Floors, we provide hardwood floor installation, refinishing, repairs, recoating, and occasional maintenance throughout Springfield, Ozark, Branson, Joplin, Republic, and surrounding Southwest Missouri communities.
If you're noticing gaps between your floorboards, our experienced team can evaluate the condition of your flooring and help determine whether it needs a simple repair, maintenance, refinishing, or another solution.
Don't guess at what's causing your hardwood floor gaps. Contact B&B Hardwood Floors today for a free estimate and find out what your floors need.
