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Wood expands and contracts in reaction to environmental conditions, and so do hardwood planks. If expansion is severe, they can be subject to buckling. Buckling occurs when the hardwood boards expand across their width, causing them to lift upward and separate from the subfloor. The planks may show separation at the joints, and the floor becomes uneven because of buckling. There are environmental factors that can cause buckling, or it can happen as a result of faulty installation.
Below, we explore some of the causes of hardwood floor buckling and what to look for if you suspect that your floor warped.
Hardwood floors will buckle if they are subject to excess water and retain moisture for an extended period. For example, if a toilet overflows and the water reaches the hardwood hallway, the hardwood planks swell with moisture. Because the wood needs to accommodate this excess moisture, it moves upward, and the expansion causes it to buckle.
Hardwood floors can also buckle in excessively humid environments. This is why hardwood is not recommended for small, windowless bathrooms. Controlling the humidity through fans and ventilation may alleviate the problem, but if the buckling causes the boards to warp, they will need to be replaced.
Before hardwood floors are installed, they should be acclimated to the immediate environment. The process involves allowing the hardwood planks to sit within the room or rooms in which they will be installed for a minimum of two weeks. The boards will adjust to the range of temperature and humidity within the building. If the flooring is not allowed to acclimate, the boards may expand or contract beyond the limits of the environment.
Using the wrong sort of products during installation may contribute to buckling. If you’re gluing to a concrete subfloor, for example, you must use an adhesive designed to join the wood to the concrete. Moisture barriers are important if installing in damp climates. A moisture barrier is a thin sheet of polyethylene which is laid between the subfloor and the hardwood.
Without this barrier, moisture can cause buckling. Another important part of the installation is the expansion gap. The flooring should be installed leaving a gap of ¼ inch to ½ inch around the perimeter of the room. This gap allows some room for expansion, thus reducing the chances of buckling.
Are you looking for the perfect flooring to complete your home design? E Hardwoods & Flooring offers engineered wood flooring, solid prefinished wood flooring, vinyl plank flooring, and vinyl tile flooring through our eCommerce store.
To find our more about our products or order your flooring, check out our luxury products online.
