Expansion Gap for Bamboo Flooring

Q: I am installing solid bamboo flooring in a doublewide and the manufacturer suggests 5/8 in expansion gap. This is probably worst case, we live in Georgia so we don;t have big swings in temperature. Would a smaller gap 3/8 in, that would be covered by molding be acceptable?
Thank You
Jim
A: The first thing I will mention is that deviating from the manufacturer’s suggestions can void a warranty, so keep this in mind before making a decision. In your case what I would do is contact the manufacturer of the floor to see if they have any suggestions of a minimum expansion gap. Many floors tend to be ok with a 1/2″ expansion gap. My worry that a 3/8″ expansion gap would be too little for the humidity in Georgia. Bamboo, like any wood product, will expand and contract from temperature and humidity.
End result here, without a go ahead from the manufacturer, I would not go with an expansion gap less that 1/2″.