Why do wood floors start to separate?

Author: Estella Rath  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Temperature and Moisture: wood is a natural and organic material, it can expand and contract with moisture and temperature changes. When these become extreme, it can cause wood flooring separation. You wouldn't notice the expansions and contractions usually unless the floorboards are very tight together.

Why do hardwood floors split?

In the winter months when the home is heated and the air is dry, wood flooring releases some of its moisture and therefore shrinks. When this happens, thin cracks appear between boards. This is normal and is acceptable. Hardwood flooring is designed and installed to handle this type of movement.

Why are my floors separating?

Separating floor planks may occur due to various factors such as humidity, temperature changes, improper installation, or subfloor issues. Addressing these issues ensures structural integrity, prevents further damage, and maintains the aesthetics of your flooring.

Is it normal for wood floors to separate in winter?

Wood floors continually expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity of the jobsite/environment. In the winter, with heat being turned up for warmth, the moisture level will decrease. In turn, the wood floor boards will also get drier and shrink, and as they do, they will pull away from each other.

How do you fix splitting wood floors?

You can fix minor splits and fractures with epoxy (wood glue) and filler. Fill the crack with epoxy, then apply the filler to help conceal it. Allow both to dry and harden completely before sanding and finishing the area.

Why is my floor cracking, flooring separating, or delaminating? Best climate for your hardwood floor

How do I keep my hardwood floors from separating?

Beyond the natural expansion and contraction of your hardwood floors, there are things you can do to prevent it from happening again. -You can add moisture to your home and reduce ventilation. A humidifier can help prevent wood flooring separation from happening. -Keep your home between 65-77 degrees during the winter.

How do you fix wood separating?

Clamp and wood glue on the piece with the split that runs with the grain. Wood glue and a screw or nail on the break at the 90. Drill a hole before running in a screw so you don't split it again.

How do you fix a hardwood floor that is coming apart?

If your gaps don't close themselves, slip wooden strips into them. You can also use pieces of rope, which are less abrasive than wooden strips. If you have small gaps you want closed, you can put in some wood putty. But if your gaps won't shut, you need to get a new floor.

Why is my plank flooring separating?

Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the vinyl planks to expand and contract, leading to separation. Placing heavy furniture or dragging sharp objects can result in separation. Wear and tear over time can cause vinyl plank flooring to separate.

How often should wood floors be redone?

Depending on a floor's thickness and the experience of the flooring professional, a floor can be sanded around 4-6 times in its entire life. Hardwood floors can be refinished every 7-10 years, making the 4-6 refinishes more than enough.

Why is my floor coming apart?

Apart from moisture and temperature fluctuations, wood floor boards can separate and develop gaps if the flooring hasn't been properly acclimatised prior to installation or if an insufficient expansion gap has been left around the room.

Should I fill gaps in hardwood floors?

Not only can gaps deter from the appearance of the hardwood floors, but they can also trap dirt and make a home drafty. Slight gaps are normal, but if the gap is wide enough to fit the end of a nickel into, repairs are necessary.

What is a separating floor?

The term 'separating floor' is generally used to describe a floor designed to restrict the passage of sound between the spaces above and below. It is most commonly used in relation to residential buildings.

Why does my wood keep splitting?

Why Does Wood Check? Green (wet) wood will naturally dry over time and as wood dries, it will shrink. This causes cracks and splits in the wood, these are called “checks”. There is no way to prevent checks from happening, especially when wood is used in an outside application.

How to keep wood floors from cracking?

However, wood that's not properly sealed will react to temperature changes and humidity, leading to shrinking and expanding. These fluctuations are what cause gaps and cracks to form in your floorboards. To prevent your hardwood from cracking or forming gaps, have it resealed every few years.

Is it normal for hardwood floors to separate?

The expansion and contraction of any piece of wood is a natural process caused by variation in the moisture level. Gaps in wooden floors are normal and occur when wood loses its moisture content.

Why is my floor splitting?

If you have a very damp crawlspace, the moisture can seep through the subfloor. This can cause your floors to take on the moisture and then release it into the room, resulting in hardwood floor splitting. You can easily check for this issue by inspecting your crawlspace for signs of moisture or even mold.

What causes gaps in hardwood floors?

Hardwood floors are prone to developing gaps over time due to the natural properties of wood. These gaps occur because wood constantly expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity.

Will warped wood floor go back to normal?

Will Warped Wood Floor Go Back to Normal? In some cases, warped wood floors can return to their original state once the underlying moisture issue is resolved. Drying out the area is crucial.

Why are my floor planks separating?

If the indoor environment isn't controlled, these fluctuations can cause the planks to separate or buckle. Low humidity causes the planks to shrink and pull apart, while high humidity can make them swell and push against each other, potentially leading to separation when the pressure is relieved.

Will buckled floors go back down?

You can also use a dehumidifier for at least 24 hours in places where the damage is minor, and often you will find that boards go back to their normal position, and you will see no signs of buckling or warping. Major damage to a floor, that has buckled in many places may require replacing the badly damaged boards.

How do you keep wood from separating?

Reduce exposure to direct sunlight where rapid drying can cause the wood to split if possible. During a curing period for green woods, stack the wood so that even drying will occur. You may also paint the ends of larger lumber or even logs so the internal moisture evaporates more slowly.

How strong is gorilla wood filler?

Customers say the Gorilla Wood Filler is easy to use and comes in a convenient squeeze tube that minimizes waste and prevents drying out. Many appreciate its strong adhesion and ability to fill holes and cracks effectively, with minimal shrinkage.

Why is my treated wood splitting?

Pressure-treated lumber is typically made from softwood like southern yellow pine, which absorbs a large amount of water during the treatment process. Once exposed to outdoor elements, the wood dries unevenly, leading to tension in the outer layers. This tension results in checks and splits.

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