Have you ever looked at your beautiful wooden floor and wondered, “Why are there gaps between my floorboards?” You’re not alone! Many homeowners face this puzzling situation, but fear not – the solution might be simpler than you think.
The Curious Case of the Shrinking Floorboards
Let’s recap a story I remember reading about when I first started Art of Clean, our wood floor restoration heroes.
They once had a client with an engineered oak floor showing gaps six months after a fancy sanding and sealing job.
What happened? It turned out the culprit was the home’s new, super-efficient boiler! This modern marvel made the house warmer and drier, leading to the wooden floorboards losing moisture and, you guessed it, shrinking.
Why Understanding Your Home’s Environment is Key
Your home is like a living, breathing entity. Changes in temperature and humidity can impact everything – including your cherished wooden floors.
In the case we just mentioned, the solution was as simple as adjusting the heating and allowing a bit of fresh air to dance through the rooms.
Expertise Matters!
Imagine filling those gaps without understanding the root cause. Come summer, with increased humidity, and those filled gaps could lead to buckling floorboards – a homeowner’s nightmare!
That’s why professional insight is crucial. They look beyond the surface (quite literally!) to find the right fix.
Prevention and Care Tips
Here’s what you can do to keep your floors looking as good as new:
- Monitor your home’s heating: A new, efficient boiler is great, but keep an eye on those temperature settings.
- Watch out for rugs and underfloor heating: They can trap heat and affect your floorboards.
- Careful with water during cleaning: Too much moisture can lead to swelling.
FAQs about Floorboard Mysteries
- Why do floorboards shrink?
Changes in home temperature and humidity levels can cause wooden floorboards to lose moisture and shrink.
- How can I prevent my floorboards from shrinking?
Regulate your home’s heating, ensure adequate air circulation, and be mindful of moisture levels, especially when cleaning.
- Should I fill the gaps in my wooden floor?
Before taking any action, consult a professional. Filling gaps without understanding the cause can lead to further issues.
- Can new appliances affect my wooden floors?
Absolutely! For example, a new boiler can change the temperature and humidity levels in your home, impacting your floors.
Keeping Your Floors Flawless
Remember, your home is a canvas, and your wooden floors are a masterpiece. Keeping them pristine isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about understanding and adapting to your home’s unique environment. With a bit of knowledge and the right professional advice, you can ensure your floors stay as enchanting as the day you installed them.
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please don’t hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901549 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry Cleaning service.
