oh no, whats caused this

[Sunnytimescoming]

My lovely solid wood floor, 6 months old. The plank closest to the patio door has developed a surface crack down its middle. The floor underneath was exposed for over a year while work was going on in the house and there was no indication of water coming in at that time. (hoping its not water) what could have caused it. And can i fix it?

Temperature fluctuations?

A crack is more likely to be because it's very dry...as it's the one nearest to the door maybe it gets the direct sunlight whereas the others don't?

Has the floor been fitted too tightly? Could maybe be due to lack of room for expansion with temperature fluctuations. Agree it doesn't sound like a water issue.

If the wood was not cured and dried properly during the manufacturing process then it will crack due to changes in the atmosphere.

how many nails or screws per board? Can you see their heads? Are these solid Oak or something, in a six-inch width?

I bet it is the sunlight drying it out and making it crack. When dry they shrink, and when damp they swell (sideways only, not lengthways)

It is possible to put colour-matched silicone sealant into a crack and it will accomodate some movement. Your floor installer may be able to do it. I'd try to wait a year and see its full range of movement.

If it is closest to the door it may have been screwed down and unable to move with the weather. However it might also be possible to take that one up and replace it (it is difficult to take up modern wooden flooring as it will be damaged)

Thank you all for replying. I suspect the dry/heat theory is correct. It is solid, and also its the 1st plank that went down so definitely not going to lift it as I think that would mean lifting them all. piglet I like the idea of leaving it for a year and maybe getting it filled. Will look into that.