Gaps in laminate flooring

Q: I purchased a home a year ago that had laminate flooring in the living room. Everything was fine, until 1/8 inch gaps appeared suddenly at the ends of about 10 planks near the center of the floor. The gaps didn’t form along the grooved, long side of the plank, but rather at the ends of the planks.

What would cause this and how can it be corrected?

A: Not sure why that would happen, unless the joint on those end panels is damaged. You should be able to push or kick them back together, but they should not be able to come apart that easily.