What Causes Hardwood Floors to Splinter at the Edges?
Splintering edges in your hardwood floor can lead to serious harm, both to the floor and for your bare feet. Any splitting or splintered areas needs to be repaired immediately to prevent further damage, such as large chipped and peeled areas. Identifying the cause of the splintering can help you prevent it from happening again.
Keep It Dry
Moisture that comes in contact with the hardwood planks, whether at the time of installation or later on, can make the edges to splinter since the wood swells. This moisture can come from a cement slab under the floor, which is why it’s critical to utilize a moisture barrier when installing a hardwood floor. Excess moisture can also come from spills, water leaks and extra humidity in your property. Verify the planks for any signs of water damage, mold or decay.
Four Seasons
Hardwood floors frequently expand and contract as the seasons change. During the summer, the planks swell slightly due to greater humidity and heat. In the winter , they shrink due to cold and lack of moisture. Under normal circumstances, this does not result in splintering, but planks made of inferior excellent wood or that were badly finished may begin splitting at the edges, where they have been cut, since this is the poorest aspect of this board. If the planks are installed too tightly and do not have space to expand and contract, they might also begin to buckle and splinter.
Wear and Tear
Over time, the finish on a hardwood floor can deteriorate. With no protective finish, the wood becomes hypersensitive to moisture and temperature changes, which leads to splintering. The planks may also loosen and shift slightly each time you walk across them, causing them to rub each other. Eventually this will make the edges to fray and splinter.
Big Changes
Humidity levels or temperatures which may not otherwise hurt hardwood floors can cause swelling and splintering when they change suddenly. By way of example, a rapid change between a warm, humid environment to a warm, dry one can create the hardwood to split and splinter at the edges. Gradually increase or decrease temperatures and use a humidifier, or a dehumidifier, as necessary to maintain humidity levels fairly even.
Rough Cut
If a hardwood board isn’t cut correctly, it can splinter at the edges. Make sure that the saw blade is sharp and you also make a clean, straight cut. Because most splintering appears at the point where the blade exits the wood, cut together with the finished face, so that any splintering is in the part of the board that will confront the subfloor.
Fix It
If the splintering is minor, it is possible to fix it by carefully removing any dust or debris and then placing a little dab of wood glue in the splintered area. Press the splintered pieces into position and let the adhesive dry. Fill gaps with wood filler. If the splintering is intense, you might have to replace the board.