Trouble Shooting
Listed are some of the most common issues you may find with a hardwood floor. Selecting the proper question will reveal more information about this problem and a possible solution.
Problem: Cupping
- When the relative humidity is high, wood absorbs moisture and expands.
- High moisture content of the subfloor
- Water damage
- Insufficient expansion gap
Solutions:
- Control humidity level with dehumidifer or heating system and good ventilation
- Maintain a 45% relative humidity level
- Raise heat and increase ventilation
Responsibility:
Problem: Sunshading, Fading
- When exposed to the sun or other intense light, wood darkens and yellows over time
Solutions:
- Occasionally move mats and rugs around to minimize sun exposure and keep changes in color uniform
Responsibility:
Problem: Gapping/Shrinking
- When the relative humidity is low, wood releases its moisture and contracts, while the plywood base remains stable
- Relative humidity level too low
- Room too dry
- Installation when strips were too humid
Solutions:
- Use a humidifier to minimize excessive shrinking of wood strips
- Maintain relative humidity level around 45%
Responsibility:
Problem: Localized Gapping
- A heat source under surface such as a poorly insulated heating duct or hot water plumbing line
Solutions:
Responsibility:
Problem: Random End Gapping
- Improper installation
- Subfloor movement
Solutions:
- You will need to have your flooring repaired
Responsibility:
Problem: Creaking
- Improper subfloor
- Insufficient nailing
- Room to dry or too humid
Solutions:
- You will need to have your hardwood floor repaired
Responsibility:
Problem: Alignment Issues
Solutions:
- Damaged strips will need to be removed and replaced
Responsibility:
Problem: Color Matching
- Improper installation
- Improper manufacturing
Solutions:
- Select strips that best match your moldings at the time of installation
- Return moldings to dealer
Responsibility:
Problem: Material Quality
- Communication breakdown
- Consumer expectations
- Wrong or non-representative sample
Solutions:
- Update display and samples
- Refer to grading chart
- Place strips in a less visible location
- Do not install/contact the dealer
Responsibility:
Problem: Splitting on Strip Ends
- Improper installer inspection
- relative humidity level too high or too low
- Invisible crack opens when strip is nailed or acclimatizes to the conditions
- Improper manufacturer inspection
Solutions:
- Repair and trim imperfections
- Control humidity
- Replace damaged strips
- Do not install
Responsibility:
Problem: Splinters
- Improper installer inspection
- Improper handling
- Improper maintenance
- Humidity
- Improper manufacturer inspection
Solutions:
- Change maintenance procedure
- Repair and trim imperfections
- Replace damaged strips
- Sand and refinish
Responsibility:
Problem: Indentations & Dents
- Improper handling
- Debris under nailer
- High-heeled shoes
- Debris under soles of shoes
- Pointed objects
Solutions:
- Repair and trim imperfections
- Replace damaged strips
- Repair and refinish
- Relocate strips in less visible places
Responsibility:
Problem: Gouges
- Furniture or chair legs/casters
- Moving heavy furniture
- Pet claws
Solutions:
- Attach felt pads
- Use wide rubber or soft polyurethane casters
- When moving heavy furniture, take care
- Keep pets' claws well-trimmed
Responsibility:
Problem: Premature Wear
- Improper protection
- Improper maintenance
- High traffic area
Solutions:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly
- Attach felt pads
- Place mats inside and outside and in high traffic areas.
Responsibility:
Problem: Laminant Failure
- Relative humidity level too high
- Water damage
- Water seepage into micro-V joints
- Manufacturing defects
Solutions:
- Replace damaged strips
- Sand and refinish
Responsibility: