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About Chris
Expertise
20+ years flooring installation ...carpet,wood,tile and vinyl. Residential and commercial. I do not sell the products , just install what ever the shop / customer has purchased. I actually love seeing the finished project completed and it gives me great satisfaction to help others acheive that goal. If I don't know the answer I will say so, and then I will recommend another expert for you. I may even research the subject and answer to the best of my ability ...including links to my sources. I wish you all success Chris

Experience
20 years as an independant contractor

Education/Credentials
H.S. diploma A.S. agriculture Mt San Antonio JR. College

Past/Present Clients
Gene Bonas and Kevin Churnock Inc. Sheward&Son&Sons Century 21 Forte Const. Famous Footwear BOSE Corporation Homebodies General Contractor Perry Floors, Tri Cord Flooring T.J.'S Supplies

You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > lamante flooring

Flooring and Carpeting - lamante flooring

Expert: Chris - 11/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: ok i had a co put down quick step lamented flooring ,i had three rooms done,all floors are not completely level.ok in one room and in one room only all around the perimeter of the room i would say 4inches from all wall in that room or more it make a cracking sound when i or my animals step on it.it doesn't do that in another room or anywhere elese in that one room besides all around the base of the flooring,why is it doing that.i did noticed that when i had the guy pull some up cause i scratched some that in the room making the cracking sounds when stepped on it seen to be in one part that i saw that the foam underlayment they did not bring up all the way to the baseboard.if it was it was very thin in some areas.the other room the foam was brought all the way to the ends,so can U help me here and tell me what the cause might be,the contractor told me oh it will go away after it settles,,,i really don't think that the case here,i think they just don't want to pull it up again.and they say anything to make it look like its not whatthey did.also i think they should have know how to make a floor more level which apparently they did not,cause all there excuses are oh its a old house and everything not level.i can see that in some cases here, but some of that also i believe can be fixed,please help me thank U

ANSWER: Michelle,

First, are they a company ...did you pay in full already? There are contracts and many implied warranties. They must install the job at least to industry standards or repair it until you are satisfied.

The cracking sounds could be many reasons ...usually the floor is flexing more than it can withstand. Also if the underlayment was short it could be dirt and debris under that area/s. maybe the base board is rubbing ...is it a creaking sound. I wish I could be there to look.

With hold final payment until they fix it. Or take them to court. Call Quick Step at the 800# on the box and talk to a customer service rep....start a claim if you feel it will help ...they will inspect the job and determine what is wrong. They will make sure that a legitimate company that sells and installs their product does the right thing by you.

Chris

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: um the thing is its all been paid in full ,and i bought the laminate myself and had a company basically a handy man service called andyon call to put it in.there is a one year guarantee warrantee they have on all there services but on labor not materials,so if it was installed wrong then they would have to fix it right?i just have to pay 4 any materials that get ruined in the process.?

Answer
Michelle,

That's right ...a floor should never snap crackle pop after the install is finished. Usually it is something wrong with the installation but there have been reports of creaking and popping due to manufacturing issues with products from Armstrong and Bruce. I have never heard of this similar issue with Quick Step so I tend to think it is installer related.

The other thing you mentioned about unleveled floors....it is the installers ultimate responsibility to inform you of irregularities and allow you to have it fixed or not. If you choose not to afford the extra labor to repair the subfloor then they are off the hook, however if they don't allow you /inform you, then they are liable and must be accountable for the labor. That is what the term INDUSTRY STANDARD means ...when I leave the job it is satisfactory and normal. And the floors are flat enough to avoid problems. If I find a situation that spells disaster for me you can bet that I will notify the customer of the problems and allow them to make a decision, one way or another I will not eat the job.

Your situation is anything but normal. I hope you can get it worked out.

Chris

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