Wood Floor Buckling: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Results

A properly installed and well-maintained wood floor will look great and retain its value for years. However, fluctuations in humidity and temperature can cause the wood to contract and expand, leading to potential issues.

Buckling occurs when the wood floor separates from the subfloor, often accompanied by cupping or swelling. The edges of the planks may curl upward, resembling a cup, or the middle sections might start to swell.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of wood floor buckling and give you guidance on how to address the problem. If you’re dealing with buckling floors, keep reading to learn expert tips on repair and prevention.

What causes wood floor buckling?

First, let’s tackle the causes of wood floor buckling. Understanding them is essential in solving the problem. 

1. Water exposure

Since wood is naturally porous, it easily absorbs moisture, leading to damage. When exposed to water, hardwood floors swell to accommodate the extra moisture. This expansion, followed by contraction as the wood dries, can result in warping and buckling.

2. Temperature changes

Frequent temperature fluctuations can also cause problems. As the weather shifts from hot to cool, the wood expands and contracts, leading to potential buckling and warping of the boards.

3. Humidity

Humidity, essentially moisture in the air, can affect hardwood floors similarly to direct water exposure. Weather conditions and ventilation, like open doors and windows, can influence indoor humidity levels. Homes near the ocean or in areas with consistently high humidity are particularly prone to hardwood floor buckling.

4. Subfloor problems

A damp subfloor, often due to inadequate moisture barriers in the foundation or insufficient drying before installation, can cause hardwood floors to warp, buckle, or lift. Ensuring the subfloor is properly prepared is essential for a long-lasting hardwood floor.

5. Skipping acclimatization

Before installation, hardwood flooring should acclimate to the home’s temperature and humidity, a process that can take up to two weeks. This step helps prevent future defects, like warping or buckling. 

Though it might be tempting to rush the process, it’s important to follow professional and manufacturer guidelines to ensure the best results.

6. Installation issues

Improper installation can leave gaps and cracks that allow moisture from spills or cleaning to seep into the wood, causing it to buckle or warp. Choosing an experienced installer and the best installation tools is key to avoiding these issues.

Assessing the damage and solving the problem

The good news is that not all buckled hardwood floors require extensive repairs. In some cases, minor buckling can be addressed simply by removing excess moisture. 

So if you notice a small area with minor buckling or slight water damage, it’s worth trying a quick, simple repair before considering more significant work.

Repairing minor wood floor buckling

1. Start by soaking up any excess moisture in the damaged area with towels. 
2. Then, clean the spot with a disinfectant cleaner that’s safe for hardwood floors, as moisture can remain trapped in dirt and debris. 
3. After cleaning, thoroughly dry and vacuum the area. To speed up drying, place an electric fan over the affected area after removing the moisture with towels. 
4. Leave a dehumidifier running for at least 24 hours. 

If the damage is minor, the boards may return to their normal state. If the boards still show signs of buckling after this process, replacement will be necessary.

Repairing major wood floor buckling

To fix buckled hardwood flooring, you’ll need several tools and materials. A circular saw is essential for cutting out the damaged sections, while a chalk or grease pencil and a ruler or straight edge will help you mark precise lines. A pry bar, hammer, and chisel are necessary for carefully removing the damaged planks. Towels and a vacuum cleaner will help you clean up any moisture and debris, while an electric fan can speed up the drying process. A floor scraper may be needed to remove any remaining adhesive or nails.

For replacing the damaged planks, you’ll need replacement boards. These could be spare planks from the original installation or new ones from a local store that sells hardwood or flooring boards. If you can’t find an exact match, buy natural wood boards of the same type and stain them to match your floor. 

Depending on how your floor was installed, you’ll also need flooring adhesive or nails to secure the new boards in place. To ensure a strong bond, use weights to hold the board down while the glue dries.

It’s important to note that repairing hardwood flooring with a tongue-and-groove installation requires advanced carpentry skills and proficiency with a saw and chisel. This is not a DIY project and should be handled by a professional flooring expert.

1. Start by using a piece of chalk or a grease pencil to draw a box around the damaged area. A ruler or straight edge will help you keep your lines straight and even. Set your circular saw to the depth of the boards and cut along the square you just marked.
2. To remove the damaged boards, make two parallel cuts along the length of the damaged board, about half an inch from the edges. Then, make a crosscut in the center at an angle. Repeat this process for each board you need to replace.
3. Next, use a pry bar or a chisel and hammer to remove the damaged board. Hold the chisel at a 45-degree angle and gently tap with the hammer to lift the board. You can also break the ends of the cut lines and chisel through the crosscut in the center for easier removal.
4. Once the damaged boards are out, remove any excess moisture with towels and thoroughly dry the area using a vacuum cleaner. If necessary, use an electric fan to speed up the drying process.
5. If your boards were installed with adhesive, use a floor scraper to remove any sticky glue residue from the subfloor. Scraping at an angle with short, swift strokes will help lift the residue more easily.
6. Now, fit the new board into the area you’ve cleared. Cut the board to the right dimensions, and continue trimming until it fits perfectly. Attach the new board by applying glue or adhesive evenly over the surface. If you’re replacing a larger area or the original flooring was nailed down, you can also use a hammer and nails, ensuring you use the correct size nails. For larger sections, nail all the boards in place and glue the final board.
7. Finally, if you’re using adhesive, place a heavyweight on the newly installed board for at least 45 minutes. This will help ensure the board sets evenly while the glue dries.

Tips to prevent wood floor buckling

Water is the primary cause of buckling and warping in hardwood floors, so it’s crucial to: 

• Clean up any spills immediately before the wood starts to absorb moisture.
• Check out the areas prone to leaks, like around kitchen sinks and washing machines, to ensure no water seeps into the floor.
• Make sure the crawl spaces have proper moisture barriers.
• Use minimal water and ensure the floor is thoroughly dried after mopping (a fan or dehumidifier can help with that). 

Hardwood floors can also suffer damage from high-heeled shoes or cleats. To protect high-traffic areas, consider using rugs or carpets. 

Also, the wrong cleaning products can harm the wood, so always choose cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors.

Before installing hardwood flooring, make sure that the conditions in your home are suitable. Take the time to assess temperature and humidity levels over a long period to account for changing weather conditions. If a complete floor removal is necessary, it’s best to hire a service that guarantees dust-free removal.

Looking for more tips on how to keep your hardwood floors in shape? Follow First Atlanta Flooring and reach out to our team if you have any questions about our products and services.