FIG. 01 — Material page · Southern California
Vinyl plank separating, lifting or buckling? Find out why.
LVP and LVT (luxury vinyl plank and tile) are most of what I inspect. I'll find out whether it's the product, the install or the site, and put it in writing.
FIG. 01 — Modern interior living room with luxury vinyl plank flooring
Common failures
What I see, and what it usually means.
01
Gaps opening at the ends or sides of planks.
Often tied to temperature swings, a subfloor that isn't flat, or locking edges that didn't fully engage.
02
Peaking or lifting at the seams.
Usually a floor with no room to move: too little expansion space at walls, or cabinets and heavy fixtures pinning it down.
03
Bumps, dips and ridges showing through.
The surface under the floor wasn't flat enough for the product.
04
Broken or chipped locking edges.
Can be a product defect or damage during install.
05
Dents, fading or discoloration.
Furniture, sunlight, rubber-backed mats and cleaning products all play a part.
06
Moisture or odor under the planks.
Vinyl can trap moisture coming up from a slab.
What I check on site
Relative moisture testing on top of the floor to spot areas of excessive moisture, flatness, expansion space at walls and transitions, how the locking joints engaged, what the floor was installed over, and whether the install followed the manufacturer's written instructions.
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.
"Thank you so much. Very detailed."
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.
Is it normal for vinyl plank to gap?
No. Small seasonal movement happens, but gaps you can see are a sign something is off. The question is what, and that's what an inspection answers.