If your floorboards in Rhyl are bending, bowing, lifting, cupping or feeling uneven underfoot, it’s often a sign of subfloor moisture, ventilation problems or early-stage timber decay. Floor movement can start subtly but may indicate a developing issue beneath the surface — especially in older North Wales homes with suspended timber floors.
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we specialise in diagnosing timber distortion and identifying whether the cause is harmless movement or something more serious such as wet rot or structural moisture.
🪵 What Causes Floorboards to Bend or Bow?
Floorboards are designed to remain straight and stable.
When they begin to distort, it is usually due to a change in moisture content or a problem within the subfloor.
The most common causes we find in Rhyl include:
1️⃣ Subfloor Moisture Rising Into Timbers
Excess moisture below the floor is one of the leading causes of timber distortion.
Sources include:
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blocked or missing air bricks
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high external ground levels
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leaking downpipes or gutters
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inadequate cross-ventilation
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moisture evaporating from bare soil below the floor
When timber absorbs moisture, it expands. This causes boards to cup (edges rising), bow (centre rising) or warp.
2️⃣ Poor Ventilation Under the Floor
Suspended timber floors require constant airflow to remove humidity and keep moisture levels stable.
If ventilation becomes restricted, the floor void becomes damp, leading to:
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swelling
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timber distortion
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fungal decay
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mould and odours
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condensation on the underside of boards
Rhyl’s coastal climate increases moisture levels, making ventilation even more important.
3️⃣ Wet Rot in Joists or Floorboards
Wet rot occurs when timber remains damp for long periods.
Common signs include:
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soft spots underfoot
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sinking or bouncy areas
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board edges turning crumbly
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visible fungal strands
If wet rot affects joists, the floor can become uneven or dangerous.
4️⃣ Timber Cupping and Bowing from Humidity Changes
Seasonal humidity can cause timbers to expand and contract, especially if:
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humidity levels are high in winter
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ventilation is poor
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heating is inconsistent
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the property struggles with condensation
This often causes the edges of boards to curl upwards.
5️⃣ Structural Movement or Settlement
Although less common, issues such as settlement, failing sleeper walls or historic movement can distort the floor surface.
Weather Wise always checks for structural concerns.
🧰 How Weather Wise Diagnose Floorboard Distortion in Rhyl
Our CPD-qualified timber specialists conduct a full investigation using:
✔ Subfloor Inspection
Checking timbers, airflow, moisture and ground levels.
✔ Moisture Readings
Measuring moisture content of floorboards and joists.
✔ External Survey
Inspecting brickwork, air bricks, gutters and downpipes.
✔ Thermal Imaging
Identifying moisture patterns beneath the floor.
✔ Structural Assessment
Checking joist bearings, sleeper walls and support.
We never guess — we diagnose the cause properly.
🛠️ How We Fix Bending or Bowing Floorboards
Once we identify the cause, we provide the appropriate long-term solution:
🔧 Restore Subfloor Ventilation
Adding or unblocking air bricks, installing telescopic vents or improving cross-ventilation.
🌧️ Eliminate Moisture Sources
Repairing downpipes, gutters, pointing or ground levels that introduce moisture.
🪵 Repair or Replace Damaged Timber
Removing wet rot–affected boards or joists and replacing them with treated timber.
🌬️ Condensation & Humidity Control
Introducing PIV or DMEV systems to stabilise indoor humidity.
We use quality materials from:
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PAM Ties – https://www.pamties.co.uk/
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Wycamol – https://wykamol.com/
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Builders Super Store
And work to industry standards as members of:
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Federation of Damp – https://federationofdamp.co.uk/
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Damp Proofing Association – https://www.dampproofingassociation.co.uk/
Insurance-backed guarantees available for eligible work.
🏡 Why Rhyl Homeowners Trust Weather Wise
Weather Wise Solutions Limited is a family-run damp and timber specialist serving Rhyl and North Wales.
Customers choose us because we deliver:
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accurate diagnosis
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transparent, honest advice
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long-term repair solutions
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CPD-qualified specialists
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a friendly, human approach
Verified reviews available on:
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TrustATrader –
https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/weather-wise-solutions-limited-damp-surveyor-newcastle-under-lyme -
Checkatrade –
https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/weatherwisesolutionslimited
📞 Book a Timber & Subfloor Survey in Rhyl
Floorboard distortion is often a warning sign.
We can diagnose the cause and prevent long-term damage from moisture or decay.
Book your free survey here:
https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact