FH 12.36: Gaps Developing at ends or along Strips of Laminate Flooring

Gaps resulting from joints that remain open permanently in excess of 1 mm in laminate flooring are not acceptable.

One-Year - Work and Materials. · Gaps resulting from damage caused by normal wear and tear or improper maintenance are excluded from the statutory warranty. · Gaps resulting from failure by the homeowner to maintain adequate ventilation is excluded from the statutory warranty.

Gaps identified at the time of the PDI shall be repaired. Gaps that occurs after the PDI and are 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 dry, the laminate flooring layers may contract, leaving permanent gaps between the strips or at the perimeter of the room or the area. One complete heating and cooling season should be allowed as the problem may remedy itself. 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. Areas around heat registers and those exposed to concentrated sunlight may be more susceptible. Slight variances in colour and/or pattern are to be expected when making repairs. See Appendix A2 “Moisture in Wood and Laminate Floors" for more information.