Stop Your Wood Floors From Cracking With This Roughly $500 Fix

Wood floors offer a timeless look and can last for decades, but cracks popping up during the dry winter months can be a real eyesore and lead to costly repairs. As a homeowner, it's best to be proactive and stop them in their tracks.

Fortunately, all you need is roughly $500 to spare on a whole-house humidifier.

Once you invest in one, you’ll be able to keep your wood floors in tiptop shape this winter and beyond.

Why do wood floors crack?

Fluctuations in humidity and temperature are the main drivers of cracked wood floors. When the air gets dry, especially in winter, the boards shrink and small gaps suddenly appear between them. 

“I’m in Michigan, with four seasons, and this is something I educate customers on. Whether they choose engineered or solid wood, everyone must be aware of the potential for cracks in the colder seasons,” says Mike Solomich of Quality Hardwoods of Michigan Inc. in Rochester Hills, MI.

Improper installation plays a role in cracks as well. If boards are laid out too tightly without room for expansion, they may eventually crack. 

“Subfloor problems, such as uneven or unstable surfaces, can also put stress on planks and cause damage over time,” explains Sara Aparacio, cleaner and home expert at Homeaglow in San Francisco.

Finally, age and everyday wear gradually reduce the wood's elasticity, making it more prone to splitting.

How a whole-house humidifier can save the day

Wood expands as it absorbs moisture and contracts when it loses it. The more this cycle occurs, the more susceptible the wood becomes to cracking. That’s where the whole-house humidifier comes in. 

A whole-house humidifier keeps the moisture level in your home consistent, which is exactly what hardwood floors need to remain in good condition. 

“When humidity is kept at optimal levels, the boards don’t lose moisture and shrink during the colder months. This stability prevents the seasonal gaps that many homeowners see each winter,” explains Solomich.

Aparicio recommends keeping the humidity in your home in the 35% to 55% range. “This ensures the wood stays smooth and free of gaps or splints,” she says.

Find a humidifier that works for your space (and care for it)

The best whole-house humidifier depends on the size of your home and HVAC system as well as how dry your indoor air gets during the heating season.

"There are different models that are rated according to the number of square feet they can effectively humidify, so it's important to pick a model that aligns with your home's size," explains Eric Kotlyar, design contractor and home renovations expert at True Form in Toronto.

Steam and fan-powered models offer more control if you want consistent moisture levels. It’s also a good idea to choose a unit with an automatic humidistat so you don’t have to constantly adjust it. 

“One tip, I normally tell customers is to turn the humidifier up as high as it goes and then back it down until you no longer see condensation on the windows,” says Solomich.

Keep in mind that while humidifiers don’t require much work, they do require some attention to run properly. Be sure to replace the water panel or filter once or twice a year so minerals don’t build up. 

“Try to do this at the same time you change the filter on your furnace. Giving the unit a quick cleaning and checking humidity levels every so often keeps everything running smoothly. A seasonal check by an HVAC technician can also extend the life of the system,” adds Solomich.

According to Nicole Kent, owner at Hubbard’s Maid Service in Savannah, GA, you also can clean the humidifier's water reservoir and components with a light acid to reduce buildup. Just read the manual first to make sure you're cleaning it with the right products. 

“Many people like vinegar but I prefer lemon juice. Both are mild acids but lemon juice smells a lot better if any residue is left behind because this does circulate to your entire house,” says Kent.

The cost of a humidifier vs. potential repair costs

When you weigh the value of investing in a humidifier against potential repair costs, the value of a humidifier becomes obvious.

“A whole-house unit typically costs $400 and $1,200 including installation, while repairing cracked floors can range from $200 for minor fixes to $3,000 or more for refinishing or replacement,” explains Aparacio.

Beyond protecting your floors, a humidifier also improves indoor air quality and overall comfort. In the long run, it is a cost-effective investment compared with the need for repeated repairs and the loss of your floor's original beauty.