Common Floor Problems Explained...
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Laminate...
Buckling
Buckling is a condition where the laminate is lifting off of the subfloor. Buckling usually appears one to six months after completion of the installation. This is typically an installation error, but can sometimes be a site related condition.
Cupping or Dishing
Cupping is an appearance where the edges of the planks are higher than the center. This condition can affect an entire floor or just a few planks in one confined area. Once a laminate floor is cupped it must be replaced, it is not repairable.
Crowning is the opposite of cupping. With crowned flooring the center is higher than the edges. Crowning is extremely rare and almost never seen.
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Surface Scratching
If scratches are not present before the floor is installed they will never be considered as a manufacturing issue. Many manufacturers have 25 year and even lifetime warranties which will always exclude scratching. No manufacturer warrants scratches. Make sure you fully read the fine print in the warranties. Most common causes of scratching are:
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Chipping or Denting
Chipping or denting that is not immediately noticed when removed from the carton will not be honored as a manufacturing issue. The most common causes of chips that were not present at the time of installation are caused by the homeowner or installer.
Joint Gaps
Gaps at joints in laminate flooring are can have many causes including:
It is helpful to know when the condition was first notice along with the site conditions at the time.
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Color/Sheen Variation
Variation in color or gloss level (sheen) is always a manufacturing. This is one of the few things covered under their warranty.
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