FH 12.38: Laminate Flooring Buckles

Laminate flooring shall be installed to prevent buckling.

One-Year - Work and Materials. · Buckling caused by excessive humidity due to failure by the homeowner to maintain adequate ventilation or improper maintenance is excluded from the statutory warranty.

Buckling identified at the time of the PDI shall be repaired. Buckling that occurs after the PDI and is proven to result from defective work or materials shall be repaired.

Laminate flooring is made up of individual layers (wood particles/paste) pressed and bonded together, with an image on the surface of the substrate or underlying core layer. If the environmental conditions are too humid, the laminate flooring may expand causing the laminate strips to lift up (bulge upwards) in one or more areas in the room. The homeowner has a responsibility to maintain indoor humidity levels through humidification, ventilation, air conditioning or dehumidification to prevent permanent, irreversible damage. A hygrometer can be used to monitor indoor humidity levels. Laminate flooring shall be installed to accommodate normal expansion and contraction. Slight variations in colour and/or pattern are to be expected when making repairs. See Appendix A2 “Moisture in Wood and Laminate Floors" for more information.