What is it?
Gaps are separations between individual boards or groups of boards in a floor.
What causes gapping?
Typically gaps are a result of seasonal changes that result in shrinkage of the wood due to loss of moisture. Gaps may also result if a floor swells due to excess moisture and the edges of the boards are crushed in the process, followed by shrinkage when the floor dries. Hot spots from HVAC systems, water lines, vents, appliance motors, etc may also cause isolated gapping.
Gaps may be installation related as a result of debris in between boards, improper fastening or adhesive application, premature traffic on a glued down floor, and the occasional gap left when assembling the flooring.
Subfloor or foundation movement may also cause gaps.
What do do about gapping?
Establish and maintain normal and stable moisture conditions beginning before the flooring is delivered to the job. Small gaps may be filled with putty, and larger gaps may be resolved with the use of a “sliver” or very small sliver of flooring. If a gap is excessive it may require replacement.
Is this a warranty issue?
Gapping is always a result of environmental conditions, or installation techniques, and as such cannot be controlled by Somerset. Therefore, it is not a covered issue under the Somerset Limited Warranty.
Additional Resources: (Courtesy of Wood Floor Business magazine)
www.woodfloorbusiness.com/installation/how-to-prevent-wood-floor-gaps-in-winter.html
SEARCH WORDS: GAPS, GAPPING, CRACKS BETWEEN BOARDS, SPACES BETWEEN BOARDS, JOINTS NOT TIGHT