What is a common cause of buckled hardwood flooring in a house?

Buckled hardwood flooring is often the result of excessive moisture exposure. When hardwood floors absorb too much moisture, either from high humidity levels, water leaks, or spills that haven’t been cleaned up, the wood expands. This expansion can cause the boards to push against each other, leading to visible buckling or warping.

Understanding the behavior of wood in relation to moisture is essential. Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it can absorb and release moisture from the environment. When the moisture content of the wood exceeds its optimal level, this can lead to structural changes, causing deformation such as buckling.

While factors such as lack of moisture, improper installation, and poor quality material can contribute to flooring issues, they are less commonly associated with buckling specifically. A lack of moisture typically leads to shrinking and gaps rather than buckling. Improper installation may lead to gaps or lifting but does not usually result in the expansion that causes buckling. Lastly, poor quality material may affect the durability or appearance of hardwood floors, but it is the moisture content that predominantly drives the buckling phenomenon.