Why Are My Floorboards Separating?

Small seasonal gaps can occur with some flooring materials. Large, new, or widening gaps deserve more attention.

Humidity changes

Wood-based flooring responds to changing indoor humidity, and some seasonal movement is normal.

Installation issues

Gaps can also relate to installation, subfloor conditions, material movement, adhesive failure, or locking-system problems, depending on the type of floor.

Is moisture involved?

Both excessive moisture and very dry conditions can affect certain flooring materials. Look at what changed around the time the gaps appeared.

Don't fill every gap immediately

A cosmetic filler may not make sense if the floor is still moving. Find out whether the condition is stable first.

When should I get help?

Have the floor evaluated when:

• Gaps are large.
• Boards are moving.
• The floor is also buckling.
• Moisture is suspected.
• The problem is spreading.

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