Why Are My LVP Floors Separating? Causes, Solutions, And Prevention Tips

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring offers outstanding durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal for American homes. Yet, one common issue users face is separation of LVP floorboards, creating unsightly gaps that can reduce comfort and aesthetics. Understanding the reasons behind LVP floor separation and how to address and prevent it is essential for maintaining a beautiful and functional home environment.

Common Causes of LVP Floor Separation

Temperature Changes And Thermal Expansion

Significant swings in temperature cause LVP planks to expand and contract. In colder months, planks may contract, leading to gaps. Conversely, excessive heat may cause expansion and buckling. Most LVPs are designed with tolerances, but severe or frequent changes can overcome these limits.

Improper Acclimation Before Installation

An essential step often missed is allowing LVP floorboards to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity prior to installation. Failure to acclimate makes planks more prone to movement and separation once installed. Manufacturer guidelines typically call for at least 48 hours of acclimation.

Humidity Fluctuations

Changes in humidity levels can cause LVP to absorb or lose moisture, leading to subtle shifts in plank size. Rooms with high humidity, or drastic humidity shifts—such as kitchens or basements—can see more floor separation.

Poor Subfloor Preparation

Uneven, dirty, or unsuitably moist subfloors affect the interlocking system of LVP planks and contribute to separation. Debris or moisture beneath planks can create minor unevenness, pulling planks apart over time.

Low-Quality or Damaged Planks

LVP products vary in quality. Inferior or damaged planks may not lock together as snugly or may crack under pressure, allowing gaps to develop. Investing in reputable flooring brands is key to long-term performance.

Installation Errors

If LVP planks are installed hurriedly or without proper technique, alignment issues can arise. Incorrect staggering, failing to leave expansion gaps, or skipping underlayment recommendations all raise the likelihood of plank separation.

How To Identify The Type Of LVP Separation

Common Signs And Where They Appear

• Linear Gaps Between Planks: Clear, straight gaps usually indicate contraction or improper locking.
• Irregular Gaps Or Tapering: Planks may separate more on one end, often due to uneven subfloors or poor plank quality.
• Buckling Or Raised Edges: Separated edges may lift, signaling overexpansion or lack of expansion gap near walls.

Locations Most At Risk

• Entryways And Perimeter Walls: Higher temperature/humidity swings from doors and windows maximize movement.
• High-Traffic Areas: Debris and constant foot pressure stress joints.
• Kitchens And Bathrooms: Moisture and humidity activities can cause planks to swell and contract.

Short-Term Solutions To LVP Floor Separation

Quick Fixes For Narrow Gaps

• Realign Loose Planks: Carefully tap the plank edges back into place with a rubber mallet and a tapping block.
• Use Floor Gap Fixer Tools: Specialized suction-based tools can temporarily close small gaps in the middle of the floor.
• Insert Matching Color Fillers: Some hardware stores offer colored wax or vinyl floor putty to disguise small remaining gaps.

These remedies offer temporary aesthetics but do not address the root causes of separation. For lasting repair, thorough evaluation and correction of underlying factors are required.

Long-Term Repair Strategies For LVP Floor Separation

Reinstallation Of Affected Planks

For persistent or wide gaps, partial removal and reinstallation of misaligned planks is recommended. Start by lifting the baseboards or moldings around the affected area, disassemble the planks, and then reinstall each one, ensuring tight joints and correct expansion gaps.

Subfloor Inspection And Leveling

If separation repeats, inspect for uneven or moist subfloors under the separating area. Use a long level to check for high or low spots. Leveling compounds or underlayment replacement may be necessary to create a stable, flat surface.

Controlling Indoor Climate

Install humidifiers or dehumidifiers to keep humidity within the range specified by the LVP manufacturer, particularly in climates with seasonal extremes. Well-maintained climate control is one of the most effective ways to prevent further separation.

Preventing LVP Floor Separation In The Future

Best Practices For LVP Installation

1. Acclimate the planks for at least 48 hours before laying them onsite at working temperature and humidity.
2. Prepare the subfloor by ensuring it is clean, dry, level, and free of debris or moisture.
3. Leave the recommended expansion gap—typically 1/4 inch—around the entire perimeter to allow for natural plank movement.
4. Stagger joints appropriately according to manufacturer guidelines for maximum stability.
5. Use high-quality LVP planks from reputable brands, and avoid installing visibly damaged or warped boards.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

• Monitor room temperature and humidity, keeping values consistent throughout the year.
• Use area rugs or mats in high-traffic zones to reduce stress on interlocking mechanisms.
• Periodically check expansion gaps and molding; adjust if planks appear crowded or overly separated during different seasons.

LVP Floor Construction And Its Impact On Gapping

Understanding The Types Of LVP Interlock Systems

LVP Type	Interlock Method	Separation Risk
Click-Lock	Mechanical edge-to-edge snap	Medium (if subfloor is uneven)
Loose Lay	Heavy weight holds planks in place	Higher (depends on gravity and friction)
Glue Down	Adhesive secures every plank	Low (but difficult to repair if gaps form)

The type of installation dramatically affects how and where separation may occur. Professional installers typically recommend click-lock or glue-down systems for high-traffic homes to reduce visible gapping risks.

How Moisture Impacts LVP Floorboards

Why Moisture Matters For LVP

While LVP is water-resistant, excessive, prolonged moisture causes the planks to swell and may weaken their integrity. Heated floor systems can dry out planks, leading to contraction. Monitor both above and below the planks for sources of excess moisture, such as leaks or poor vapor barriers.

Mitigation Strategies

• Use vapor barriers in basements and over concrete subfloors.
• Address leaks or water sources immediately to avoid long-term moisture exposure.
• Install moisture meters in problem areas for ongoing monitoring.

When To Consult A Professional For LVP Floor Gaps

Indicators Of Serious Or Structural Issues

• Gaps wider than 1/8 inch consistently across several planks
• Raised or buckled planks indicating underlying damage
• Persistent separation after attempts at repair
• Noticeable subfloor movement, creaking, or visible mold

If these conditions are observed, a licensed flooring contractor should assess and remediate the issues to avoid risks of damage to your home’s structure or worsening floor integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions About LVP Floor Separation

Are Small Gaps Normal?

Minor, seasonal gapping of less than 1/16 inch is often considered normal for floating LVP installations. Consistent monitoring is still recommended to catch developing issues early.

Will Underlayment Prevent Separation?

Quality underlayments provide cushion, sound reduction, and minor moisture barriers, potentially reducing some causes of separation. However, correct installation and environmental control remain crucial to lasting gap prevention.

Is It Necessary To Replace All Flooring If Gaps Appear?

Most LVP separations can be repaired by addressing localized issues—full replacement is rarely necessary unless large sections are warped, damaged, or improperly installed.

Best Brands And Products To Reduce LVP Floor Separation

Brand	Features	Separation Prevention Technologies
Shaw Floors	High-density core, textured surfaces	Precision milled locking, water resistance
COREtec	Waterproof core, attached underlayment	Stabilized core layers, strong click-lock
Karndean	Commercial-grade resilience	Proprietary wear layers, robust adhesive for glue-down
Mohawk	All-in-one plank systems	UniClic installation technology

Choosing established brands with advanced engineering can lower the chance of separation even in challenging climates or high-use scenarios.

Summary: Key Takeaways For Homeowners

• LVP floors separate primarily due to temperature, humidity, and subfloor issues.
• Correct installation and room conditioning minimize separation risks.
• Regular maintenance and prompt minor repairs preserve both beauty and performance.
• For persistent gaps, consult professionals for subfloor or structural evaluations.

Proactively managing surroundings and following installation best practices ensures your LVP flooring remains flawless long-term.