Hi, we recently installed a water line to our fridge and there was a leak we did not know about till we saw the laminate flooring warping. Before installing a new floating floor, check for mold and mildew and eradicate it, and install a moisture barrier that will inhibit the growth of mildew and mold. However, possibility of getting mold growing underneath floated laminate floor worries me a bit because my son is allergic to mold. have laminate floors in entire 1500 sq ft house have aproblem with an uneven floor that is a high spot in the flooring is it possibe that the weight of ab upright piano can be the problem as suggested by the builder if so what is the solution other than getting rid of the piano thanks. http://www.timberlandflooring.com.au/products/floating-flooring.html. This will generally happen in areas where the floor runs for over 27′ foot in any direction – this number differs per manufacturer. A non-floating floor example would be hardwood, carpet or ceramic tile. We opened 3 packages to shuffle them. Individual planks, boards, andin rare casestiles attach to each other, not to the subfloor. Gaps that are considered normal should close up when the weather warms up. What can we do to support this joint from bouncing without taking up the entire floor and laying it again?? Did you purchase from Lumber Liquidators? Prevention is better than cure. From what you are describing the issue may lie with the plank in the previous row and not the ones that you are trying to install on the current row. Replace the damaged board and then the rest of the boards you removed, by clicking them back in place. You can reach them at 800-366-4204. Use care when using a tapping block and mallets to install floating floors. Hi John, you may be able to inject something, but it would be at your own risk. Please contact our Customer Care team at 800-366-4204 and a representative may be able to help you. The floor can be taken apart and put back together from either side. The hard landing on the concrete jars the joints in the hips, causing long-term damage such as arthritis or degeneration of the hip bone, and may necessitate hip-replacement surgery. For more serious damage, it might be necessary to replace the damaged boards. Hope this helps! Why is this and can it be fixed…, Sorry about that, Josh. Prior to removing an existing flooring or installing a new floor or repairing an existing laminate floor, if there are visible indications of mold or mildew or the presence of a strong musty odor in the area where flooring is to be removed or installed, the source of the problem should be identified and corrected. Vinyl flooring can either be glued to the subfloor or it can float on top of it, and either way, moisture underneath it causes problems. These are typically not very expensive. All over? Hi Bruce, it could be a temperature/humidity change in your home. Buckling or warping can also be as a result of an inferior product construction. Subfloor Requirements for Floating Tile Floors CUPPING. Replacing the last of my home’s carpet with modern hardwood. Hi Linton, the piano shouldn’t cause a problem, but it’s difficult to know without more info. The adhesive manufacturer should have instructions regarding specific trowel requirements. on center. I also had mold for a year before discovering the problem. – LL, I installed laminate flooring in all the common areas for my home five years ago. Inconsistent Color. it is getting really bad and I have a dining room living room around 27 ft long and the floor was laid straight through, Hi Debra, I’m sorry you’re having problems with your floor! Thanks for your inquiry. Sometimes it’s easy to miss a spot with a small dip or hump in the floor. If you are installing a locking or floating floor not attached to the subfloor, just make sure that the subfloor is clean. floor but the front leg of the molding is only about 5/16″? Concrete may seem very dense, but it is actually full of small pores that will absorb water from the ground. When installing certain types of flooring -- such as sheet vinyl -- the moisture content of the concrete can be a problem. is this from not allowing enough room at the wall? For long-term performance your laminate wood floor needs to be dry, level and clean. Thanks for writing in! You can use our Lumber Liquidators floating floor adhesive for this use. Contact a professional installer or follow these steps. Ginny and Travis, If you have a vapor barrior installed over a wooden subfloor or a crawl space make sure that the manufacturer’s specifications for that floor call for a moisture barrier. Hi Kristin! Thanx for you help. We had a contractors come out to replace the bad pieces, he told us that it appeared to him to be the product and we most likely would have the same problem. Upgrade your home or business environment by visiting Costco.com today! We are only 10 planks in and 2 of them have no gap. Typically gaps that are 2-1/4" wide or smaller are considered "normal" and will close up when the season changes. Would you consider this a problem. I know you checked to be sure the floor was level, but check again just in case. It sort of sense that you’re doing some exclusive trick. The sheeting should completely cover the concrete. Peaking can also arise due to the fact that a continuous area of flooring is too long in one direction without a center “T”? the floor was installed in the winter. If we never had issues with moisture before the leak do we really new to seal and if so what kind of sealer would you recommend. Thanks! -Lumber Liquidators. This can also result in dents and mars. -Lumber Liquidators. Unfortunately mold does not discriminate. Hey Bob, our Tech & Install team should be able to help! It is a floating floor over 2 in 1 moisture barrier underlayment, plywood and concrete. Please contact our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204 for assistance. When we talk about a “floating” floor, it means that the hardwood floor is not permanently attached to the subfloor. To remedy the problem, remove the molding and cut away a small portion of the flooring to relieve the pressure. you have performed a glorious job on Wooden Floor topic! Any other possible things we can do to help it fall back down to normal? This blog is devoted to all things flooring, from helpful tips to customer testimonials and the latest remodeling trends. (Diagram 1 & 2) The peaking will not however dissipate immediately, it maybe necessary to place a weighted object on the peaking areas for a period of time. Also, keep large pets’ nails groomed. I love my laminate flooring. If so, you may need to contact Customer Care at 800-366-4204 for an inspection. Ping, I would send your question to techandinstall@lumberliquidators.com. Thanks! Thanks, Chuck. It is a good idea to place felt pads under furniture legs, as this will prevent scratching caused by dragging the furniture across the floor. Bubble pack was placed under a portion of our pergo floor. You could try using a dehumidifier to lower the humidity levels of your home. – Lumber Liquidators, We have had our laminate floor (12ml) less than 7 mo . – Lumber Liquidators. Someone there can assist you with more information. Thanks for writing in! Hi Rebecca, please contact our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204 for a detailed answer to your question. Issues concerning mold and mildew are gaining increased attention from both residential and commercial property owners as well as the public at large. WHAT CAUSED IT AND HOW DOES HE CORRECT IT. I hope this helps! Cork flooring is not an expensive material and sometimes can be as cheap as $1.10 per square feet, but as high as $7.25, depending on the … I would suggest unlocking the previous row and replacing the plank in the previous row that won’t allow then new plank in the current row to lock. Big Style for Small Spaces: Design Dos and Don’ts, Get Inspired: 2020 home design trends you can incorporate into your style, Get Inspired: New ways to play with patterns, TLC for Your Floor: Cleaning and Care Tips, LL STYLE — Designing Your Space for At-Home Learning, Fall Flooring: Tips and Tricks to Fall into Flexible Space Design, In Living Color: The Tints and Tones to Update Your Home for Fall, Let Your Style Shine: Using the Right Lighting, Think Outside the Cubicle: Designing Your Home Office Space, Guest Post: Pet-Friendly Style from Nancy Fire, If These Walls Could Talk: Ways to Give Your Walls a Voice, http://blog.lumberliquidators.com/lumber-liquidators/2013/06/flooring-gaps-.html, http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/flooring/Flooring101?WT.ad=GLOBAL_FOOTER_Flooring101, http://www.timberlandflooring.com.au/products/floating-flooring.html, http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/s-13045352/cmd/kbresource/kb-4409157928603560990/view_document!PAGETYPE?sq=Transitions%2b&sf=101113&sg=1&st=394944&documentid=233217&action=view, Bamboo: Nail-Down Installation Instructions. If I had know that the slightest amount of water would be so destructive I would have chosen a different flooring material. Since you are not able to wet laminate floors . Gapping is a situation in which the laminate flooring boards tend to pull away from one another resulting in gaps between the boards. At first I wanted to have hardwood floor, but I am thinking of getting laminate floor now just because I don’t want to deal with dents and scratches and fading. The wide width, light gray color and embossed finish are able to transcend well beyond just one design style to put itself to work in any home or business. Do you know why a bubble pack was placed under the floor? Thank you for your inquiry. Hi Alyce, Thank you for choosing Lumber Liquidators. Thanks for your inquiry! Take a plank of flooring with you for color matching. I have installed laminate flooring 12ml plus attached backing and it looks great but I am totally freaked out every time someone drops or spills anything because it just seems fragile or water seeps into seams and the floor bubbles. This is some really good information about flooring. Bruce Houston,Tx. When it comes to distinguishing between installing a floating floor vs a nail-down or glue-down type method, it is imperative that you weigh the good along with the bad before making any final decisions.One of the most obvious advantages that a floating floor has over a non-floating floor is ease of installation. Floating floor is not a type of flooring. In your case you would turn the t-hold around. I have several gaps on the floors upstairs an a couple downstairs what can be done? I am concerned as winter approaches that my floor will be destroyed by the snow. 2. We have been stuck on this for 2 days now and within those 2 days 10 planks only. We moved into a home in which the old owners put down laminate wood flooring. During dry, heating seasons boards will shrink, and in non-heating seasons they should expand again closing up the gaps. Excessive water on the surface of the floor can also lead to buckling or warping. If the color of your epoxy floor coating looks off, it can be due to improper … You may find the PDF "Moisture reduction strategy" useful (although it is meant for pre-installation) which can be found by searching Flooring 101: http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/flooring/Flooring101?WT.ad=GLOBAL_FOOTER_Flooring101 For info on how to determine if a gap is considered "normal" and for tips on repairs, head to the Flooring 101 section on our website and search the PDF "Gaps, Moisture & Squeaks". Have a floating floor over concrete floor. Wet flooring creates the same problems as a dirty floor, where epoxy can’t adhere to the concrete. We had a company check for any leaks in the slab, none were found. Even if you left enough space, it could have expanded. Peaking refers to a situation in which the laminate floor boards push up against each other and result in high points at the joints. Purchase a low cost hygrometer to keep track of your indoor humidity and temperature levels. As a last resort, to get a difficult plank to fit tightly you may shave off the raised lip on the groove with a rasp or sharp wood chisel. Here’s some more info for you both: http://blog.lumberliquidators.com/lumber-liquidators/2013/06/flooring-gaps-.html Everything has been going fine except I have now come to a plank that I can not get lock down. Lowe’s can help you find the best flooring to fit your lifestyle and home décor. This is one of the most common of floating floor problems. It was installed late December/early January 2011. I recently had a slab leak in one room, we were able to remove the flooring without it being damaged, the plastic moisture barrier worked great, only one board had water damage. so it would leave a gap. However, if the floor is not poured and treated correctly, some problems can arise. They may know a little more about the issue and be able to help. Please contact us today. For this reason, it is very important to acclimatize your flooring to the room temperature and conditions of the room in which the laminate is to be installed, before installation. What is best used for cleaning? When the bottom of a board is wetter than the top, its edges cup. Need to know the warning signs of moisture problems in your flooring? We purchased swiftlock flooring by Shaw from Lowes, the very top layer is lifting on many pieces in the high traffic area lowes seems to think it is a moisture issue, although moisture tests were performed before installation and they were acceptable. We recommend using our Dream Home 6 mil polyethylene sheeting for maximum moisture protection. The process involves removing the damaged board utilizing a saw or router, then replacing the board utilizing a sufficient water resistant adhesive. Your email address will not be published. Hi Terry, I would contact our Tech & Installation Department at 800-366-4204 about this problem. Below is from our website and it shows how the threshold would be used. For this reason, it is important never to wet mop a laminate floor. Rather than being nailed down, it is held in place by its weight, friction between the floor and its underlying subcontrols, and/or its snapped-together joints. -Lumber Liquidators. In some of the more extreme cases, you can even see the plank moving up and down, mostly from the way the light reflects off the wood.”. Wide x 50-2/3 in Length Laminate Flooring (23.69 sq. Allow at least 24 hours between washing your concrete flooring and having a professional apply new resin. If you contact our Tech & Installation department at 800-366-4204 a specialist can assist you. In the past, our installers have gone to local ceramic distributers such as Dal-Tile, which sells larger, unfinished transitions and then he can stain them to match. Hi Patricia, this question would be better answered by Tech & Installation. Utilize a heavy object to apply pressure for at least 24 hours. Hello Jim, Thank you for your business with Lumber Liquidators. So now we have gone back to Lowes to try to get our $$ back, it has Ben a total nightmare. Also, The stuff are striking success. This is purely vertical. I asked them just to use water with the portland cement. If you need further assistance, please contact our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204. A strong musty odor is generally a giveaway that a floating floor is contaminated with mold or mildew, which generally arises from an excessively damp environment. It is good to know that it would be smart to check that the flooring is nailed down properly. mold can grow. We layed laminate flooring in two rooms so far, no problems. I would like to have either laminate flooring or engineered hardwood flooring in my living room, dining room, and family room. I don’t have a pet, but I have teen age children. This situation however almost never occurs, and in the event it does, just replace with extra materials on hand. -Lumber Liquidators. Check with your state licensing board to see if the installer was licensed at the time of the installation as well. Another alternative is to contact a local lumber company that will sometimes carry these in stock or can mill them on site. Cork Flooring Cost . Once that raised lip is removed you should be able to slide the two planks together without lifting them at an angle, but in order to keep them locked together you will need to apply a PVA carpenter wood glue into the locking system. Installing a hardwood floor over a concrete slab. Please call our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204 for assistance. Thanks for your inquiry, and I hope the issue gets resolved! Is this a result of installation or the flooring itself? A better solution is laying a floating floor. Floating floors have become popular in DIY circles due to their ease and speed of installation without specialized tools. We were sure to level everything and there was no obvious problem at this spot before laying the floor. Learn how to use a grinder. You can reach them at 800-366-4204 and a representative who knows a bit more about the issue can offer some help. I hope this helps! Thanks for your inquiry! The Eco Silent Sound underlayment will only block up to 4lbs of moisture in concrete, so adding the poly sheeting under it will give you full moisture protection. Hey Tammy, When installing over concrete the North American Laminate Flooring Association and our Dream Home laminate instructions suggest applying a layer of polyethylene sheeting over the concrete. You may want to try a moisture test of your own (info also in Flooring 101) to see if you can identify where the moisture problem is. 2) Cut along lines between the drilled holes and remove the center section. One junction of two boards in the first row we layed is not secure. I have laminate flooring in my entire downstairs and love it. The gaps re-appear in the winter because your humidity level/moisture is much lower in your home due to heat being on. Hi Danielle, sorry to hear that. Rather, you’d be better served to replace any damaged boards and solve excessive moisture problems with a moisture barrier. Adhesives, floating floors, and grout or cementitious bonds are 3 common flooring materials that can run the risk of causing moisture-related problems. It could be from the expansion space, but it is difficult to say without seeing it. A polished concrete floor can be a beautiful addition to a home or business. If you contact Sales at 800-476-0007, a representative will be able to offer more advice. I hate it. When it’s to do […] I would check your warranty and installation instructions online for your specific product. Laminate flooring is affected by water in a number of ways. Above this will be an underfloor heating system and a floating laminate floor by Kronotex (part of the Swiss Krono group) . Thanks for your inquiry! http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/s-13045352/cmd/kbresource/kb-4409157928603560990/view_document!PAGETYPE?sq=Transitions%2b&sf=101113&sg=1&st=394944&documentid=233217&action=view, I have new tile installed in entry of the house but it is 3/4" taller than the wood floor. Hi Patricia, I’m sorry you’re having a problem with your floor! A few warning signs include discoloration, warped flooring, musty odors, and more. Some customers use a humidifier in the winter to keep humidity levels up to normal which usually around 40%. I have recently noticed an area of 3 foot square that is Bucking in the largest room 3 feet from the wall. What can you do if in some areas you have peaking and in some areas you have gapping? the thresholds we carry will only transition to a ¾”? Most gaps occur with season changes, when the temperature and humidity in your home change. Wide plank floors are … treated plywood to the concrete with concrete screws spaced every 16 in. The good news is it should be an easy fix, however, the only way to see for sure is to remove the trim and that row or two of boards. What can I do to fix this problem ? Concrete is extremely hard, so homeowners might mistakenly believe it is impenetrable. Typically, the floor must be level and uniform within 3/16 inch every 10 feet. Will the boards eventually flatten if I continue to install? This is wonderful flooring for any HT room. Hi can laminate flooring be sealed once it has already been laid…thankyou, Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read ! Surface water can also cause warping or buckling; water should never be used to clean a floating floor. Floating floors can be pieced together like a puzzle — leading to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach by eli… Thanks for your inquiry, and I hope this helps! What causes this problem. Summer Weekend Project: Tile Your Kitchen. Please contact our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204 for assistance. I should have listened to my inner self that kept saying (it’s pressed wood with paper glued on top). This situation will occur if the temperature drops to a point way below what is considered normal (60°-80°). Hi Ray, please contact Tech & Install at 800-366-4204 for a detailed answer to your question. The gaps close in the summer because the humidity level/ moisture in your home is higher in the summer. 3) Prepare a replacement board by cutting and removing the factory tongue along the long and short end of the board. Laminate floors can be challenged by humidity and pooling water in a disturbingly myriad number of ways. We just installed our morning star bamboo clic floor. Common Laminate and floating floor problems with corrections 5) Make sure all edges are even on either side of the joints. The job was done through Lowes, they sent out an inspector that reported it was a moisture issue caused by us, how can that be when we have NEVER wet mopped the floor. As the largest flooring manufacturer in North America, we offer our customers an unrivaled selection of pre-finished and unfinished hardwood, laminate, bamboo, and more! I’m sorry you’re having a problem with your floor! We appreciate your business and want you to love the floor. If your flooring is water damaged, your only remedy is to replace the affected boards. Please reach out to 800-366-4204. You’d be setting yourself up for failure and creating more floating floor problems in the future. Vinyl is a beautiful and convenient flooring choice for any basement. Not just in one area. If you have any further questions please contact the Tech and Install Dept. Since I can’t see the floor, I’m not sure what’s causing the peaking, but you can use a toe kick saw to cut close to walls and cabinets. Ever since the floor has been down, there is considerable clicking when you walk on the floor. Bob. I have about 6 places where the two end pieces meet together and in the corner they are sticking up a little bit enough to catch a sock or dust pad. This Site seems to be surprising. After applying the poly sheeting the Eco Silent Sound underlayment will go on next. ($3-$8/sq. Your best bet would be to call our Customer Care team at 800-366-4204. If you were told the slab was dry and you haven’t had any problems prior, I would re-install the same way. Simply follow the peaking board’s perpendicular to the wall or molding, remove the necessary molding- if against the wall, remove the baseboard and cutout a section or enough of the laminate board that meets the wall or molding that will give the floor more space to expand. Is there an easy way to stop it from creaking when we walk on it? Thanks for your inquiry. That is why concrete floors are not recommended for areas that will be used by children … molding expansion joint to relieve the pressure. – Lumber Liquidators. for sheet rubber in rolls): You’ve … For assistance and possible ways to correct the problem, please contact our Tech & Installation team at 800-366-4204. Could the beating have damaged in some way the locking system hence the clicking? I liked what you said about peaking. Hope this helps! It is just the top layer at the short ends on several planks where we mainly walk , the laminate is throughout our home, there are not any problems in other area of the house. Also, rental companies typically rent toe kick saws for around $30 per day. Gapping is almost always related to moisture and/or installation issues. Rubber tile or rubber sheets. We do slightly tap it to close the gaps but it will not close. Larry, if you call 800-366-4204 and ask to speak with Tech and Installation, someone can better assist you with your question. Then cut remaining piece in the center on both sides and remove. My laminate flooring in the kitchen, in front of the refridgerastor is peaking. I have tried using different planks, check for debris still can’t figured it out. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed across the new piece. For this, you will need additional laminate flooring. I’m sorry you’re having problems, Ellen! If the subfloor has peaks and valleys in it, you could compromise the locking system of the flooring which could cause it to disengage and unlock. Thanks for your inquiry! With stiffer floating floors like Ceramic, Laminate and Hardwood, it could lead to creaking noises and cracking and breaking of the locking mechanism. Hi Adrienne, thanks for writing in. Please feel free to call our Tech and Install department if you have any other questions. Now my entire living room is bubbling up. “Peaking refers to a situation in which the laminate floor boards push up against each other and result in high points at the joints…The most common cause of peaking is a lack of expansion space between the laminate floor and the walls around the perimeter of the installation, or a lack of expansion space between the laminate floor and laminate moldings”. you’re truly a dazzling webmaster. Would daily mopping (mop and bucket of water) cause water to seep between seams/joints of the floor and eventually come out the edge of the floating floor onto the rest of the concrete floor ? I hope this helps a little! Water/moisture-induced warping and/or buckling. Do this carefully so as not to damage the molding. Flooring 101: http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/flooring/Flooring101?WT.ad=GLOBAL_FOOTER_Flooring101. Now during these winter months are gapping again. After I called, the installers came out once and "stomped" them back in place but the problem persists. I went to Home Depot and Lowes and neither one knew what I should use. Most likely the floor will have to be taken up, the bubble pack removed, level the subfloor if needed,and re-installed. When you squeeze out the moisture in the sponge and dry it out it will shrink. How To Install Dream Home Laminate Flooring. If you have questions about installing a floating floor or need repair services, we at Illinado Home Solutions are glad to help! Why is it buckling now after five years? Although very durable, it is normal to find minor scratches as result of daily wear and tear. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Drill 3/16″? A helpful tools to cut the flooring up to the cabinet base would be a toe kick saw that can be found at most rental shops. It bounces at the seam. I recently had problems with my oak wooden floor and your explanations helped me a lot. at 800-366-4204. There are several areas where the ends of the boards are gapping in the winter. 3. from ends and side. Thanks! The installation of hardwood floors on concrete offers several types of applications. Constantly walking on concrete floors is extremely hard on hip sockets. For a detailed response, please contact our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204. If your floors are dirty, too smooth or wet, the resin will not harden correctly. This is generally caused by a lack of expansion space between the flooring and the surrounding walls and moldings. Is there a solution minis starting over? -Lumber Liquidators, I just finished 557 sq feet of the st James bamboo 12 mm laminate floor I have a small area that bounces about an 16 of an inch I knew this was gonna happen due to dip in hardwood floor underneath , my question is can I inject something under it to level that out or do I just deal with it and I already tried calling the tech line , not too helpful I’m sorry to say, Hi Elisa, If the floor feels "spongy" check to see if the floor is too tight to the walls where it gives. If the conditions under either type of floor are "right," (moisture, temperature, etc.) Moisture Barrier and Underlayments: Don’t Leave It Out! Even though the floor is protected you don’t want too much moisture trapped underneath. Moisture control is often one of the most crucial, yet most overlooked, elements of any floor’s success over time. When installing the sheeting, overlap any seams of the sheeting by 6″? “I’m not sure how to explain it, but there is a certain bounce to the plank, or rather, a hollow under the plank that allows the floor to move up and down. Great post. We had laminate flooring installed a little over a year ago in Oceanside, ca. Hi Melanie, thanks for your inquiry! Most laminate cores however are treated with water repellent chemicals. Fortunately, this situation is easily remedied with the aid of a laminate floor repair kit, available at your local home centers. Buckling or warping is almost always as a result of moisture and/ or water damage. it is now july and the floor is peaking in many areas. Floor coverings like laminate, luxury vinyl or engineered wood flooring may be snapped together to create a one-piece uniform surface, rather like a jigsaw puzzle. Then with summer they went back together and looked fine. You can’t just slap some glue under the affected flooring and call it a day. Excessive chipping on corners can be as a result of any of the following: a) Wrong methods of installation used. Hi Donna, this question would be better answered by our Tech & Installation team. The poly will block any moisture coming from the slab. We were sure to level everything and there was no obvious problem at this spot before laying the floor. Experienced professionals pay close attention to managing moisture and minimizing wood floor expansion and contraction when preparing to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs. The most common cause of peaking is a lack of expansion space between the laminate floor and the walls around the perimeter of the installation, or a lack of expansion space between the laminate floor and laminate moldings. If I have this repaired now while it is gapping and then summer comes, will it buckle up? Thanks for your inquiry. Typically a problem like this is related to moisture, but I couldn’t say for sure. THE LAMINATE FLOOR IS TONGUE/GROVE; Gary, thanks for your inquiry. It does seem like it would be a good idea to have a professional install the floors for you if you want to prevent peaking from happening. Thanks! and tape with duct tape. Problem 1: Imprints, Waves, & Stains In The Floor. Like any flooring product or material from carpet to concrete, there are always potential pitfalls. Hi Ginny, I’m sorry about your flooring issue! Several of the pieces ar starting to lift, appearing to be a moisture issue, we have never wet mopped the floor. Level. Imprints: When the concrete floor is being poured and polished, debris may get mixed into the slab.This will often leave imprints or need to be cut out. The best way to transition from a ¾”? It bounces at the seam. Hi Cobria, Because there are so many different floors and cleaners, we can only recommend our Bellawood hardwood and laminate cleaner. Often poor installation can result in marks, indentations and chipping. They may attach with glue or by snapping together. What is the solution for this short of replacing boards? You could try using a dehumidifier in the room to reduce moisture level. That could be a possibility. I am so tired of "stomping" them myself because it really does no good. We’re here to help, and our fantastic Tech & Install team has delivered once again.  This article explains some problems that may be experienced and how to fix them with laminat & floating floors. We just installed our morning star bamboo clic floor. I notice several areas along the seam that are lifted and one area where my wife left some damp towels overnight has bubbled . Shop with Costco to find great deals on best-selling, premium-brand flooring & tiles. What can we do besides pull up the entire floor. For more information, you can go to our Flooring 101 guide on http://www.lumberliquidators.com and search "Moisture Reduction Strategies." Remember that a laminate floor is a floating floor and must not be fixed to the sub floor or moldings at any point as this will not allow the floor to expand and contract, as these floors naturally do. My best advice would be to keep your climate consistent from summer to winter. Required fields are marked *, © 2020 Illinado Home Solutions, LLC | Remodeling, Renovation, and Repair. Typically, all that is required is sweeping to remove surface grit and occasional spot treatment with a manufacturer’s recommended cleanser. Thanks for writing in. My issue is it is really peaking near a door in which it doesn’t even have a baseboard nailed down. Hi Mike, please contact our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204 for the quickest assistance. Apply blue painters tape to the face of the two planks to hold them together until the glue cures. Common Laminate & Floating Floor Problems… With Corrections, Going Upside Down and Inside-Out with Josh Temple on his New House Build, Homebound Projects: Where to Start this Winter, The Perfect Recipe for an Affordable Kitchen Remodel – Article 2, The Perfect Recipe for an Affordable Kitchen Remodel. – LL, MY CAT HAS BEEN SICK ON MY LAMINATE FLOOR ON WIPING UP IHE ITS CONTENTS I NOW FIND SOME OF THE FLOORING HAS LOST PART OF THE VARNISH PROTECTION LEAVING A FOOTPRINT TYPE IMAGE WHAT CANIDO TO ADRESS THIS CONDITION FUSTRATED ED. We have a fan on it and a dehumidifier running as well. I’m worried about it catching and breaking the corner off. Floating floors are susceptible to moisture problems, especially when homeowners install them in moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms, or over concrete. For this reason, it is necessary to have a balancing layer on the bottom of the boards. Tom, since it isn’t one of our floors we can’t be absolutely sure. Another reason for peaking could be due to the fact that the moldings in the doorways or around the perimeter of the room have been fixed/nailed to the floor, thus preventing the floor from expanding. Place floor mats at door entrances in order to reduce the amount of sand tracked into the house. We only knew we had a leak because we were feeling warm spots on the floor. If they come & go and are less than 2-1/4" wide or less, they’re considered normal because of the floor’s natural changes. One junction of two boards in the first row we layed is not secure. However, if you follow the install instructions and take the proper precautions, you should be fine. The home is an 11th floor condo in Florida. I am not talking about side-to-side expansion movement. Hi Boyd, I’m sorry you’re having a problem with the floor! by Illinado | Jun 20, 2018 | Flooring, Home Improvement, Repair | 1 comment. Document every conversation and take plenty of picures and video, trust me, you will need them. If you contact our Tech & Install department at 800-366-4204 someone can better assist you with the issue. -Lumber Liquidators. Moisture issues aren’t necessarily related to something like mopping. In virtually all situations if there is a mold issue, there is an excessive moisture issue. This is not a problem with standard tile because the concrete backer board layer protects the subfloor from moisture damage. All family members say there was nothing spilled on the floor there. Off register is a situation in which the flooring pattern on one flooring board does not match up the pattern on the connecting board. Your email address will not be published. Since floating floors are just that – floating, problems can manifest themselves in four ways: chipping; warping & buckling; peaking; and mildew & mold growth. Please contact them at 800-366-4204. It will bounce of the sounds beautifully. This article is meant to inform you of what to look for when choosing products to sell or specify. NOW THIS WINTER IT IS GAPING IN SOME AREAS. The wall is 90 degrees to the floor run. These kits may include acrylic or latex putty, wax pencils or crayons and are color coded to match the floor. For specific care instructions please contact Tech & Install at 800-366-4204. Please contact our Tech & Installation team at 800-366-4204 for assistance. 1) Mark the damaged board 1-1/2″? Unfortunately as all floating floor products are not to be installed under fixed cabinetry there is not much that can be done other than taking up and reinstalling the floor. If not, try checking our post about gaps & what the cause could be: http://blog.lumberliquidators.com/lumber-liquidators/2013/06/flooring-gaps-.html When we walk on the floors we can feel the pieces that are "popping" up and no longer level with the floor. For detailed assistance please contact our Tech & Install team at 800-366-4204. Thank you for the information on the blog, now when I call the flooring people about my problem I’ll know what’s going on. Strong cleaners are neither required nor recommended; "Wet flood mopping" is also not recommended for cleaning, laminate floors are moisture resistant not water proof. Hi Brenda, if you contact our Tech & Installation department at 800-366-4204 someone can offer you assistance. Try to keep your home at these levels to help prevent the shrinkage during the winter. There are multiple areas in which the flooring is peaking (I guess based on the description above). The surface of a concrete floor is very hard—falling onto concrete will hurt and may seriously injure people. THE GAP IS ONLY ABOUT 1/16 TO 1/8 INCH SO THE BUILDER WILL DO NOTHING; ( HE HAS SINCE CHANGE THEIR PROCESS AND DOES THE CONTROL CUTS CORNER TO CORNER ON NEW CONSTRUCTION) IT HAS REMAINED AT THIS GAP FOR 4 YEARS; ANY SUGGESTIONS?