FIG. 02 — Material page · Southern California
Laminate peaking, swelling or coming apart? Find out why.
Laminate is one of the floors I inspect most. I'll find out what caused the problem and document it so the store, installer or manufacturer can't brush it off.
FIG. 02 — Room with laminate wood-look flooring in natural light
Common failures
What I see, and what it usually means.
01
Peaking at the joints.
Boards pushing up into a tent, usually from a floor that can't expand: tight to the walls, pinned under cabinets, or too long a run without a break.
02
Swollen or puffy edges.
Laminate's core reacts to water: wet mopping, spills, or moisture coming up from below.
03
Gaps between boards.
Joints that didn't lock fully, or movement from changing humidity.
04
Soft, hollow or bouncy spots.
Typically a subfloor that isn't flat, or the wrong underlayment.
05
Chipping and surface wear.
Can be the product, the install or daily use.
What I check on site
Subfloor flatness, relative moisture testing on top of the floor to spot areas of excessive moisture, the underlayment and vapor barrier, expansion space and transitions, joint engagement, maintenance and cleaning methods, and the manufacturer's installation requirements.
What the report tells you
Nearly every flooring problem comes back to one of four things: the product, the installation, the site (moisture, the subfloor, the climate inside the house), or how the floor has been cared for. My report says which one, and shows the evidence.
Why an independent inspector
The store's inspector is hired by the store. I'm hired by you, I don't sell flooring, and I don't take jobs that want a particular answer. Fifty years in the trade, licensed contractor for 40 of them, and certified through FCITS, IFCII and NALFA.
"Wonderful job you've done on this report!"
How much does an inspection cost?
Packages start at $650 for an on-site inspection, testing and a written report. Mileage from Temecula is added, plus a set add-on for hardwood, tile, stone or areas over 4,000 sq ft. You'll have the full price before anything is booked, and payment confirms the appointment.
See all packages and fees →Will you need to pull up any flooring?
Not without your permission. Most inspections need no damage at all. If a test would mean removing a piece, I'll explain why and ask first.
Can laminate be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?
That depends on the cause and how far it's gone. The report recommends what it will take to correct it.