laminate flooring - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

boman47k · 11-16-2006, 02:04 PM

During the summer I did some work with a guy and we saw some of this flooring that had buckled about 1/4 way across the room in some rather new apartments built on a slab. He didn't want to tackle the job since he had little knowlege of them. He actually had little knowlege of painting too. But anyway, what are your thoughts on what caused this and what would the remedy have been? I'm thinking moisture and/or not enough space allowed around the edges. Or maybe the flooring has no chance to acclimate before being installed.

PrecisionFloors · 11-16-2006, 05:06 PM

Could be any one or all three of the reasons you stated. How bad was it buckled? A minor amount would lead me to believe a less than acceptable expansion space was left, or not enough/ no acclimation time, while a major amount would indicate a moisture issue usually.

boman47k · 11-16-2006, 05:34 PM

Quote:

How bad was it buckled?

The best I can remember, not real bad but very noticeable about 7 or 8 board widths. It was the Lr. Being there instead of the kitchen not enough space allowed the edges would come to mind, but water could have been spilled. Also these apartments were just built this summer or last summer. Seems like it took a whole year to get them built. I'm wondering if someone got in too big of a hurry toward the end to get them finished and leased.
Thanks for the reply.

J DoubleD FLoor · 11-19-2006, 03:17 PM

you already answered your question, the expansion gap arround the room would cause it ... the product not properly aclimated could cause it and improper install of moisture barrier ... first I would check the perimeter for the expansion gap and under it for moisture barrier.

boman47k · 11-19-2006, 04:01 PM

thanks guys. Confirmed what I was thinking.

J&J Home Imp. · 11-25-2006, 08:10 AM

I had a customer call me once to come look at some buckled hardwood. When I got to the job it wasn't hardwood at all but it was laminate and it had buckled to the point that it was about to come apart in a couple spots. The room was about 40' by 60' if I remember right. No one was living in the house and I could feel the humidity in the air. I told them to turn on the air and get the house to living temp. and let it sit about a week and then call me back. When they called me they said it all laid back down and looked great. Not whenever I look a laminate floor that is the first thing I ask.

John712 · 12-04-2006, 06:06 AM

There should be 8mm gap between laminate flooring and wall.