Gap in my hardwood floorboards - Should I be concerned?

[PL59]

Hi All,

I have started to notice gaps appearing in two panels of my hardwood floor board.

The first one is 4mm gap, and the other is 6mm gap. Refer to images : https://imgur.com/a/38hcXsz

What could possibly be the cause of this? Movement of slab, contraction/expansion of timber?

My wife noticed the gap increased slightly over the months. I purchased this house late last year, and only moved in in February.

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @PL59,

Thank you for your question about some gaps in your hardwood floor.

It is hard to say what the cause could be, but slight expansion and contraction or movement of the house could be the reason.

With hardwood flooring, the gaps between boards are often sealed with sawdust mixed with glue. It could just be that this filler has fallen through a gap that was already there, just concealed.

I wouldn't be too concerned at this point, as the gaps are fairly small and limited to a single area, but it is definitely worth monitoring.

If you wanted to fill the gaps, you could use a wood filler such as those produced by Timbermate to fill the gaps. They come in a variety of colours, so select the one that is the closest to your flooring.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1 and @Nailbag to see what they think.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @PL59 

I am wondering if the hardwood floor is actually a floating floorboard style? The rest of the boards look razor sharp (my floorboards arnt so razor sharp is all) Do you have a raised floor or is it on a particle board/concrete floor? 

If its a hardwood floor you can fill the gaps with a caulking agent if it really bugs you (timbermate is good as @JacobZ mentions) If its a floating floorboard I would be tempted to leave it for awhile and see if the normal contraction/expansion closes the gaps.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @PL59 

I have had to fill a few gaps similar to the ones you are dealing with. The filler @JacobZ though is ideal, you still need to seal it with an oil-based clear oil or it will degrade away. The oil will need to be applied with a fine thin artist style brush.

Nailbag

[PL59]

Thanks All.

If I am noticing other panels in the vicinity is showing very slight gap, what could that possible indicate?

Also with Timbermate, is it just apply and done? Or is oiling still required?

Cheers!

[JacobZ]

Hi @PL59,

If you're noticing other gaps opening up, it indicates that your floor is moving. 

If the gaps are small and there are no other signs of movement, then the Timbermate products should be fine to use as the gaps are likely from simple expansion and contraction; however, if there are signs of significant movement in multiple areas of your house, it could indicate a larger issue.

Do you have any photos of the other gaps?

Are you noticing any cracking in the plasterboard? Particularly in the corners.

Do other things in your house seem like they don't line up well? Like doors sticking, windows sticking, etc.

Looking at the photo you've provided, I don't think you have a more significant issue; however, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have concerns that there is more at play, then it should be assessed by a professional before addressing the gaps in the floorboards.

If the gaps are isolated and no further actions are required, then the process with the Timbermate product is relatively simple. Tape off the edges of the boards with painter's tape so the filler is only applied to the gap. Give it a mix then apply it to the gaps using a Pro Renovator 150mm Plastic Scraper. Once the gap has been filled, use the scraper to remove excess filler so that it sits flush with the floorboards. If needed, you can give the filler a light sand with some 180 Grit Sandpaper. Allow the filler to dry, then apply some clear oil such as this Timber Protect Clear Oil using a craft brush. Once coated with oil, pull the painter's tape to finish up the project.

This will give you a sharp repair that will seal up those gaps.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob