Examples and Overview of the Main Causes
Marie Soula, Ph.D., Eng. PRT
Floors are more than just surfaces we walk on; they set the tone for our interiors, combining style, comfort, and functionality. Each material, from elegant hardwood to practical polymer coverings has its own characteristics that are important to understand in the context of a claim or dispute.
However, even with the most careful selection, floors can deteriorate prematurely resulting insignificant damage. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the lifespan of a floor can range from 25 years for some polymer coverings to over a century for hardwood flooring, depending on traffic levels and maintenance. Nevertheless, problems can sometimes arise much sooner, even within just a few months of installation.
In this article, we present the most common flooring issues and the factors that contribute to them, to provide you with a better understanding of the risks and their potential impact on your cases.
Common Causes of Flooring Failures
Humidity
Moisture, whether originating from the concrete slab or the surrounding environment, is a common cause of flooring failure. Excessive dampness in the slab or high relative humidity in the room can cause warping, lifting, or delamination of the materials (see Figure 1). Therefore, it is essential to measure the moisture content of the substrate (for example, using ASTM tests) and to ensure that the installation conditions comply with the tolerances specified for the products used.
Figure 1 – Adhesive bleed
Installation
Installation issues, particularly the absence or incorrect design of expansion joints, can cause major problems with the flooring. Flooring materials, including wood and composite products, undergo dimensional changes due to fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Without proper expansion joints along walls or between different zones, internal stresses can build up, resulting in the flooring lifting, cracking, or delaminating (see Figures 2 and 3).
Figure 2 — Board warping
Figure 3 – Board warping
Material
The choice of material plays a fundamental role in the performance of flooring. Each material has specific properties, such as mechanical strength, dimensional stability and moisture sensitivity which must be compatible with the intended use conditions. While the use of recycled or composite materials is becoming more common for environmental reasons, these materials may be more variable in quality or less resistant to certain stresses, which can sometimes result in joint failure (see Figure 4).
Design
Floor design, particularly in “drop and click” interlocking systems, has a direct impact on both mechanical strength and user comfort. Insufficient thickness, particularly at the notches, can create weak points that lead to cracking under load or during humidity fluctuations. Inadequate design in hardwood flooring can also lead to creaking noises caused by friction between boards or poorly absorbed movement (see Figure 4). Effective design must therefore consider mechanical stresses, assembly tolerances and the dimensional changes of the material.
Figure 4 – Joint failure
Maintenance
Even when installation and materials are adequate, improper maintenance can accelerate flooring deterioration. Using inappropriate products, allowing excessive moisture to build up, or failing to protect against wear and tear (from furniture, sand, or foot traffic) can also damage the surface or joints. Different types of flooring have different requirements: for example, wood is sensitive to humidity fluctuations, while vinyl can be affected by solvents. Proper maintenance, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations is essential to preserve the durability and appearance of the flooring (see Figure 5).
Figure 5 – Discolouration
Conclusion
Although a properly designed, installed, and maintained floor can last for decades, numerous factors can compromise its performance prematurely. The durability and appearance of the flooring can be affected by moisture, material selection, design and maintenance.
At the first signs of failure, such as warping, excessive creaking, or discolouration, the insured party should take prompt action.
CEP Forensic can assist with a detailed analysis to determine the cause and extent of any observed damage to the flooring, as well as evaluate its impact on the flooring system’s overall performance and durability.