Hardwood floors lend timeless appeal to any home, but even the best-maintained hardwood floors can develop gaps over time. Gaps not only diminish the flooring’s appearance but may invite further problems down the line.
Our comprehensive guide will explore the causes of gaps in hardwood floors, provide prevention tips, and offer repair methods to help you maintain your hardwood flooring’s beauty and integrity. Whether you’re dealing with small gaps or more significant structural issues, we’ll help you tackle gaps in hardwood floors effectively.
Why Do Gaps Form?
Here are the primary reasons why gaps form in hardwood flooring:
One of the most common causes of gaps in hardwood floors is fluctuations in humidity levels. Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts in response to changes in moisture content in the air. During periods of high humidity, typically in the summer months, hardwood floorboards absorb moisture and expand. Conversely, in low humidity conditions, which often occur in winter, the wood releases moisture and contracts, potentially leading to gaps between boards.
As with humidity, temperature changes can affect hardwood flooring. As temperatures rise, wood expands, and as they fall, it contracts. This continuous cycle of expansion and contraction can cause gaps to form over time, especially if the temperature changes are significant or frequent.
Gaps can also result from improper installation techniques. If the floorboards aren’t properly acclimated to the home’s environment before they’re installed or if they’re not installed tightly enough, gaps may appear as the wood settles and adjusts to its new surroundings.
In some cases, gaps in hardwood floors may be a sign of more serious structural problems. Foundation settling, subfloor issues, or joist movement can all lead to gaps forming in the flooring above.
Over time, even well-maintained hardwood floors can develop gaps due to natural aging and wear. Years of foot traffic and furniture movement can cause the wood to shift and separate.
Preventing Gaps in Hardwood Floors
While some movement in hardwood floors is natural and expected, you can take steps to help prevent gaps:
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Maintaining consistent humidity levels in your home goes a long way toward preventing gaps in hardwood floors. Using a humidifier during dry winter months and a dehumidifier during humid summers can help keep the wood stable. Aim for a relative humidity between 35% and 55% throughout the year.
Control Indoor Temperature
Keeping indoor temperatures relatively stable can also help prevent gaps. Avoid drastic temperature changes, and consider using a programmable thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures, especially if your home is unoccupied for extended periods.
Proper Installation Techniques
When installing new hardwood flooring, make sure the wood is properly acclimated to the home’s environment beforehand. This process typically takes three to five days. In addition, make sure the subfloor is level and in good condition and that the floorboards are installed tightly together.
Regular Maintenance
You can help prevent gaps in hardwood flooring through regular cleaning to keep the wood in good condition. Use appropriate cleaning products and avoid excessive water exposure, which can damage the wood and lead to warping or gapping.
Repairing Gaps in Hardwood Floors
Despite best prevention efforts, gaps may still form in hardwood flooring. Fixes depend on the size of the gaps and the overall condition of the floor.
Flexible gap fillers can be an effective solution for small to medium-sized gaps. They’re designed to retain some flexibility after drying, allowing them to move with the wood as it expands and contracts. Here’s how to apply flexible gap fillers:
- Thoroughly clean the gaps using a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove debris.
- Cut the tip of the filler tube at a slight angle and insert it into a caulk gun.
- Apply the filler to the gap, ensuring even coverage.
- Use a caulk trimmer or similar tool to remove any excess filler.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleanup and drying time.
For larger gaps, using thin strips of matching hardwood is an effective repair method:
- Ensure the room has proper humidity levels (between 35% and 55%) before beginning the repair.
- Cut strips of hardwood that match your existing flooring to fit the gaps.
- Apply wood glue to the strips.
- Gently tap the strips into place using a rubber mallet or padded hammer.
- Allow the glue to dry completely.
- Use a block plane to remove any excess wood, ensuring the repair is flush with the surrounding flooring.
An older but effective method for filling large gaps involves using rope:
- Choose natural fiber rope that matches the color of the wood or can be easily stained.
- Measure and cut the rope to fit the length of the gap.
- Gently tap the rope into the gap using a putty knife or similar tool.
- Ensure the rope is flush with the surrounding boards.
- If you prefer, stain the rope to match the floor color.
For unfinished floors, you can use a mixture of fine sawdust and polyurethane to fill small gaps:
- Collect fine sawdust from sanding the same type of wood as the flooring.
- Mix the sawdust with polyurethane to create a paste.
- Fill the gaps with the mixture using a putty knife.
- Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding smooth.
Professional refinishing may be the best option for floors with many gaps orand/or wide gaps. This process involves sanding the entire floor, filling gaps, and refinishing the surface so your floor looks like new, but it’s a significant investment.
When to Consider Floor Replacement
In some cases, the extent of gapping or damage to the hardwood floor may warrant a complete replacement. Consider floor replacement if:
- Gaps are consistently large (more than ¼ inch) across the entire floor.
- You have signs of significant structural issues, such as sloping or unevenness.
- The floor shows extensive damage beyond gapping, such as warping, cupping, or missing sections.
- The cost of repairs approaches or exceeds the cost of replacement.
Consult with a professional flooring contractor to help determine whether repair or replacement is the most cost effective and appropriate solution for your situation.
