Dirt basement and moisture issues

Q: My hardwood floors were refinished 4 years ago. In the past year the floor is darkening, and there is separating of boards. There are smaller, darker circular areas. They are mostly in the living room, which was carpeted for many years, but also in bedroom which was refinished many years ago.

Some of boards are separating in the living room, and I can feel a slight bowing. My basement is dirt – house built in late forties. Few of boards appear to be eaten. Termite inspection last year revealed no termites, but moisture.

A: You need to deal with the moisture issue. Laying a tarp over the dirt might help.