How to Prevent Gapping in Hardwood Floors During Winter in Des Plaines

Wood is a natural material that reacts to changes in humidity. In the winter, the air tends to dry out due to the use of heaters, which can cause hardwood floors to shrink. One of the most effective ways to prevent gapping is by maintaining proper humidity levels indoors. The ideal range for hardwood floors is between 35% and 55% humidity.

Tip: Consider investing in a humidifier to keep your home’s moisture levels stable. This will not only help protect your floors but also improve the air quality and comfort inside your home.

The cold winter air often leads to indoor dryness, especially when the heating system is running constantly. A humidifier can be your best friend in this situation. Placing one in the room can prevent excessive moisture loss from your hardwood floors. This small step helps your hardwood floors retain their natural shape and reduce the likelihood of gaps forming.

Tip: Keep a humidifier in the rooms with hardwood floors and monitor the humidity regularly to ensure it stays within the optimal range.

Sudden temperature fluctuations can have a negative impact on your hardwood floors. If you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat or letting the temperature drop significantly at night, your floors are more likely to contract and form gaps.

Tip: Keep your home at a consistent temperature, ideally between 60°F and 70°F. This will prevent sudden shifts in the floorboards, reducing the chance of gapping.

While keeping your home warm is important, direct heat sources such as space heaters, wood stoves, or radiators can dry out your floors too quickly. The rapid drying process can cause the wood to contract and develop gaps.

Tip: If you use space heaters or other direct heat sources, make sure they’re not positioned too close to the hardwood floors. Try to keep these appliances away from high-traffic areas with flooring.

Before installing new hardwood floors, they should acclimate to the temperature and humidity levels of your home. If your floors are exposed to the elements for a long time during the colder months, they may contract after installation, resulting in gaps.

Tip: If you’re installing new hardwood floors during the winter, make sure to let them sit in the room where they’ll be installed for at least 48 hours to adjust to the indoor conditions.

Although this won’t directly prevent gapping, using rugs and mats in areas of high foot traffic can help protect your hardwood floors from damage during the winter months. These soft surfaces help insulate the floor, providing some relief from temperature fluctuations.

Tip: Invest in high-quality area rugs or mats for places like entryways, near doors, or by windows where drafts may occur.

While prevention is key, it’s also important to regularly inspect your hardwood floors for early signs of gapping or other damage. Catching potential issues early on will help you address them before they get worse.

Tip: Conduct a quick inspection once a month during the winter, checking for any gaps or signs of dryness, and take action immediately if you notice anything concerning.