In Cleveland, OH, gaps in laminate flooring are a relatively common issue, especially with DIY projects in our Midwest area as we face significant changes in temperature and humidity. In many cases, homeowners can fill in laminate flooring gaps themselves in Cleveland and the wider area, but it’s important to understand the underlying causes of gapping to prevent recurring issues. Get to the bottom of your laminate flooring problems and enjoy years of worry-free use with tips from Floor Coverings International® of Cleveland West. 

What Causes Gaps in Laminate Flooring In Cleveland?

From mid-century concrete slab ranches and bungalows in Brook Park to the Kamm's Corners and Old Brooklyn Colonial-style houses, many Cleveland area homes have had a century to settle. Over time, wood subfloors and support joists bow and sag. Laminate is a floating floor that relies on a perfectly flat surface; walking over these sagging joists causes the planks to bounce, forcing click-lock joints to separate over time. 

The most common causes of gaps in laminate flooring are:

  • Humidity and temperature changes: The wood core may contract when indoor humidity levels are too low (think below 35% relative humidity) for sustained periods. This is more likely to occur when indoor temperatures drop during the winter months.
  • Insufficient expansion gaps: Planks should have roughly ¼ or ½ inch of expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Expansion gaps give the flooring room to expand when they absorb moisture. Without this gap, they may buckle or push up the walls, resulting in gaps in the middle of the room once planks have contracted.
  • Uneven subfloor: Uneven subflooring often causes laminate flooring’s click-lock system to disengage.
  • Weight or movement: While less likely, dragging heavy furniture across the floor may cause planks to shift, leading to gaps.

How to Fix Gaps in Laminate Flooring Near Cleveland, OH

There are a few ways to address gaps in laminate planks, and some considerations to take for repairing laminate floors in Cleveland, OH's, four-season climate, but it’s always worth having a professional assess the issue before pulling out your toolkit.

Tapping Planks – For minor gaps caused by planks shifting apart, a rubber mallet and tapping block may help reposition laminate flooring without damaging the locking mechanism.

  1. Locate the separated planks and inspect the surrounding flooring for swelling, buckling, or unevenness, particularly in older Cleveland homes.
  2. Remove the baseboard or quarter-round trim near the closest wall if necessary, taking care to preserve the required extension gap.
  3. Use a rubber mallet and tapping block to push planks away from the wall and toward the gap you’re trying to close.
  4. Check that the planks are properly connected and that sufficient expansion space remains along the perimeter to accommodate Cleveland's seasonal humidity fluctuations.

Suction Cups – This method works best with smooth-surface laminate flooring and minor plank separation where the locking system remains intact. 

  1. Clean the laminate surface with a lightly dampened cloth, avoiding excess moisture that could penetrate the seams.
  2. Secure a heavy-duty suction cup to the separated plank.
  3. Pull the suction cup horizontally toward the gap, using a tapping block and rubber mallet if needed to gently reposition the plank.
  4. Verify that the joint is fully seated and inspect for recurring movement, which could indicate subfloor irregularities or humidity-related issues.

The Ultimate Fix: Have a Professional Repair Gaps in Laminate Flooring

If these methods don’t work, let Floor Coverings International® of Cleveland West fill the gaps in your laminate flooring. In some cases, we may need to replace damaged laminate flooring planks to prevent future gapping. We usually recommend replacing planks if they are severely warped, the locking mechanism is broken, or the gaps won’t stay closed. Either way, we make filling gaps in laminate floors in Cleveland easy by handling all the hard work for you.

Preventing Laminate Flooring Issues in Brook Park & Beyond

Prevention is always less expensive than repair or replacement. Here are a few ways to prevent laminate floor gapping in the future:

  • Control humidity: Use humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and your home’s HVAC system to keep your indoor humidity between 35% and 55%.
  • Maintain subfloors: Inspect subflooring before installation or during repairs to eliminate it as a potential factor.
  • Avoid moisture: Always use a slightly damp mop rather than a wet mop and address any leaks or spills immediately to prevent water damage.

With a little care and maintenance, your laminate floors should last 10 to 15 years or longer!

Your Local Laminate Flooring Experts

Floor Coverings International® of Cleveland West offers an expansive collection of laminate flooring products and expert installation services. Protect your flooring investment with the help of our highly skilled team and the area’s most convenient floor shopping process.

For prompt and professional services, schedule your free in-home consultation today.