Although wood flooring is dried, cut and processed, it still responds to moisture by expanding and contracting, which if your home is older, this change may be more noticeable.

During the winter, the weather is drier and the hardwood contracts. In the summer, especially in humid locations, the wood expands. This is all normal for your floors. However, if you wish to reduce this fluctuation, humidity controls can be installed. Optimal humidity levels are 40-60%, therefore, no gaps will appear if you maintain a humidity level within this range.

In the summer, the wood will expand creating a bend in the wood where the edges are higher than the center. Once this cupping occurs, it takes a while for the floor to flatten out again. In extreme cases, the wood can crack. However, both situations can be avoided with a humidifier and occur in areas of extreme humidity hovering 90%.

Wood flooring is still extremely durable, beautiful and easy to maintain. Be aware of the seasonality and your local climate to determine if you need to take additional measure to protect your flooring.