	AllExperts > Flooring and Carpeting
	Search

About Carol Blaha
Expertise
Flooring questions: Specification, Warranties, Inspections, Product Knowledge, Enviromental Issues

Experience
I have been in the field 25 years, first as a specifier, then retailer and currently manufacturer representative on contract with 8 manufacturers, independent inspector and conduct moisture testing. Founding board member of the CO Chapter, US Green Building Council

Organizations
WFCA (World Floor Covering Association), NTCA (National Tile Council America) SCRT (Society of Cleaning & Restoration Technician), ASTM F60, (Environment) and F06 (Resilient Floor)

Publications
Colorado Real Estate Journal, Smart Buildings

Education/Credentials
MBA, CTC (Certified Tile Consultant), RRT (Carpet Repair & Reinstallation), CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician, ISSI (Substrate Inspection) and completed coursework for Independent Ceramic Tile Inspector, Hardwood/Laminate Inspector and Senior Carpet Inspector. Scheduled to complete Independent Resilient Inspector in April.

Awards and Honors
Multiple Awards for Salesperson of Year and President's Club

Past/Present Clients
Clients include Fortune Co's to mom and pop

You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > cupped and buckled engineered floor

Flooring and Carpeting - cupped and buckled engineered floor

Expert: Carol Blaha - 11/5/2009

Question
Hi Carol,
My engineered wood flooring is cupped and buckled. It is in various spots in the dining rm and living rm.I have had the manufacture rep come out and he has said the cause is not the product but most likely due to moisture.The store/contractor came out and said they are not liable because of unforeseen moisture. A moisture test was just done today and it appeared ok but I was told maybe I have a drainage problem. I originally wanted the floor floated using underlayment but the store/contractor advised me to have it glued instead. I feel this would not be and issue if it was. They have offered to help in the cost of replacement but I feel it was their responsibility to insure against moisture damage and should remove the floor and install it correctly. Do I have any recourse and what actions can I take?

Answer
If this installation is on slab and the contractor didn't test for moisture-- it should be on their nickel. Email me back if the install is on wood.

It's not the installers responsibility to insure against moisture. But it is their responsibility to test for moisture prior to installation of the floor when on concrete. ALL manufacturers require this. If you know the manufacturer you can download the install instructions and I bet you a nickle it's in there.

What exactly did it mean when it came out OK? There is no "ok", they should know how many # of moisture is coming from the subfloor or % relative humidity. How did they test?

The manufacturer should not have sent out the manufacturer rep. He is biased. They should have sent out an independent inspector (like us) to give a non-biased report. The inspector would test for moisture using a meter that is non-intrusive. This is an indicator only- but it will point out issues. And this "probably" stuff is just BS. You can come back with "probably" its a manufacturing defect?? That's an irresponsible comment.

Your recourse is to - -download the install instructions and point out they did not follow them. If they had tested for moisture, they would have pointed it out to you- and they should have stopped the job. Tell them you will hire your own independent inspector. The inspector will give you a doc that is based on fact and industry standard. This doc will go a long way should you have to take them to small claims court. And tell them you will.

You can find an independent inspector by going to IICRC.org, or NWFA. I am also part of a network of inspectors-- I can usually get it done for less than $250.00. Just let me know your zip. Should the inspection affirm the above-- it is reasonable to expect the contractor to replace product and reimburse you for the inspection.

However -- if there is a moisture problem- it will happen again if we don't do something different. I can coach you on that too.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question