We’ll Teach You How to Deal With Separated Boards

Have you noticed your hardwood floor boards separating? You shouldn’t leave the problem unattended for long. Old wood floors with gaps can lead to plenty of issues for the rest of your home, such as dirt buildup, mold growth, subfloor damage, drafts, and tripping hazards. Luckily, Floor Coverings International of Bloomfield Hills, MI® is here to help you not only understand why your boards are separating, but also how to fix the damage and avoid it happening again in the future.

You invested in beautiful hardwoods that you want to last for decades, so make sure to give them the attention they need. Contact us today for a free, in-home consultation for hardwood floor services around Rochester Hills.

Why Are My Hardwood Floors Separating?

There could be a few reasons why your wood floors are separating, and the first step to solving the issue is understanding the cause. Some of the most common reasons for gaps to form between your boards include…

  • Temperature and humidity fluctuations – if your home has low humidity, the planks could dry out and shrink. On the flip side, high humidity and excess moisture can cause your planks to swell.
  • Installation errors – if your installation team didn’t leave enough room for the natural shifting of the wood, the boards can create larger gaps over time.
  • Wear and tear – if your floors are many years old, the natural aging and wear and tear can lead to the hardwood floors separating.

Once you determine what the cause is, you can fix the damage and better protect your flooring in the future. You don’t have to keep wondering why is my wood floor separating – bring in our experienced pros for help assessing the issue.

How to Fix Large Gaps in Hardwood Floors

The first thing you’ll need in order to fix your separated floors is a strong filler. Hardwood floor gaps can vary in size, but most can be fixed by either applying filler glue to the gap and pushing the boards back together or filling the hole with cut slivers of wood that get sanded until flush with the surface. It’s important to make sure that the filler, glue, or caulk dries completely before you sand and seal the finished product. That way, you know the patch will hold up. Need a hand with the repair project? Our qualified local contractors are here to make the entire project smooth and seamless!

Keep Your Wood Floors From Separating

You’ve fixed the gaps in your floors, but the work doesn’t end there. You can keep your hardwood floor planks from separating in the future by following a few key maintenance steps. First, keep an eye on the climate and humidity levels in your home. By making sure your interior isn’t too humid or too dry, you can prevent frequent fluctuations that make your boards swell and shrink.

Second, you should have your floors refinished every few years, so that a professional can deal with any minor issues before they lead to big gaps. Finally, there’s a way to reduce the likelihood of separating boards before you’ve even installed the wood. Just make sure you purposefully choose your grain type, as different varieties of wood can better hold up with frequent temperature changes. Our Design Associates are here to guide you through the selection process, so you can choose the best wood floors for your home.

Tackle Your Wood Floor Repairs Around Bloomfield Hills

If your hardwood flooring has gaps between the boards, you don’t necessarily have to plan a full replacement. Our locally owned flooring company can help you fill the gaps and restore your wood floors to peak condition. Enlist our expert help by calling (248) 971-1505 or filling out our form for a free, in-home consultation today.