The boards along one wall look slightly raised after a humid summer — will that settle back down on its own?

Raised hardwood boards after a humid summer typically will settle back down as humidity levels decrease in fall and winter, but the extent depends on several factors.

Wood flooring naturally expands and contracts with seasonal humidity changes, and Ottawa's climate creates significant seasonal variation. During humid summer months, hardwood absorbs moisture from the air and expands. When boards expand beyond their available space, they can push upward creating a slightly raised appearance along walls where there's less expansion room.

The good news is that most seasonal movement is reversible. As indoor humidity drops in the heating season (typically October through March in Ottawa), the boards should gradually release moisture and contract back toward their original position. However, if the boards were installed without proper expansion gaps along the walls, or if the gaps were filled with caulk or trim that's too tight, the boards may not have enough room to expand and contract properly.

Several factors affect whether the boards will fully settle: the severity of the humidity exposure, how long the boards remained expanded, the type of wood species (some are more stable than others), and whether proper installation techniques were used initially. If your home experienced unusually high humidity for an extended period, or if there was a moisture source like a leak, some permanent cupping or crowning may have occurred.

Monitor the situation through the heating season - most seasonal movement should resolve by February when indoor humidity is typically at its lowest. If boards remain raised after several months of normal indoor humidity, or if you notice gaps opening up elsewhere as they contract, this suggests either improper installation spacing or a moisture issue that should be evaluated by a flooring professional.

For a professional assessment of your flooring's seasonal movement patterns, Ottawa Floor Install can evaluate whether the raised boards are normal seasonal expansion or indicate a more serious issue requiring attention.