5 Warning Signs of Poorly Installed Timber Flooring

Engineered timber flooring is a staple in homes, offering unparalleled elegance and durability. However, the quality of the installation significantly impacts the performance and longevity of this premium flooring. Poor installation can lead to a range of problems that not only diminish the visual appeal but also compromise the structural integrity of the flooring. In this blog post, we will explore the top five signs that your timber flooring has been poorly installed, providing in-depth explanations for each sign.

1. Gaps Between Floorboards

Understanding Floorboard Gaps

One of the most immediate and noticeable signs of poor installation is the presence of gaps between the floorboards. These gaps can vary in size and may appear either immediately after installation or over time.

Causes of Gaps

1. Improper Acclimation: Engineered timber needs to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for several days before installation. Failure to do so can result in the wood expanding or contracting after installation, leading to gaps.

2. Incorrect Spacing: Floorboards should be installed with a precise gap to allow for natural expansion. If these gaps are too wide or too narrow, it can result in visible spacing issues.

3. Subfloor Issues: An uneven or improperly prepared subfloor can cause floorboards to shift and create gaps.

Solutions

To address gaps, professional installers may use filler materials for minor gaps or re-install sections of the flooring in more severe cases. Ensuring proper acclimation and subfloor preparation is crucial to prevent this issue.

2. Uneven or Buckled Flooring

Identifying Unevenness and Buckling

Uneven or buckled flooring is not only unsightly but also a potential tripping hazard. Buckling occurs when floorboards lift from the subfloor, creating raised areas.

Causes of Unevenness and Buckling

1. Moisture Problems: Excessive moisture from the subfloor or humidity in the room can cause the timber to swell and buckle.

2. Improper Adhesive Application: Inadequate or uneven application of adhesive can lead to sections of the floor not adhering properly, causing unevenness.

3. Lack of Expansion Gaps: Engineered timber flooring requires expansion gaps along the perimeter to allow for natural movement. Failure to leave these gaps can result in buckling as the floor expands.

Solutions

To rectify this, the source of moisture must be addressed, whether it's through better ventilation, dehumidifiers, or moisture barriers. In cases of adhesive issues, the affected areas may need to be lifted and re-adhered properly.

3. Creaking or Squeaking Sounds

Causes of Creaking and Squeaking

1. Loose Floorboards: Boards that are not securely fastened can move against each other, creating noise.

2. Inadequate Subfloor: An uneven or unstable subfloor can cause the flooring to move and produce sounds.

3. Temperature and Humidity Changes: Seasonal changes can cause the timber to expand and contract, leading to movement and noise if the flooring wasn't installed with these changes in mind.

Solutions

Securing loose floorboards, ensuring the subfloor is even and stable, and maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels can help mitigate creaking and squeaking. In some cases, additional fasteners may be needed to secure the boards more firmly.

4. Visible Nail or Staple Heads

Identifying Visible Fasteners

Nail or staple heads should not be visible on the surface of a properly installed engineered timber floor. They should be countersunk and filled to match the wood.

Causes of Visible Fasteners

1. Improper Installation Technique: The installer may not have countersunk the nails or staples deep enough, or failed to fill and finish them correctly.

2. Inadequate Tools: Using the wrong tools or not adjusting them properly can result in fasteners that are not properly hidden.

3. Material Movement: Natural movement of the wood due to changes in humidity and temperature can cause nails or staples to become more prominent over time.

Solutions

Addressing this issue involves countersinking the fasteners properly and filling the holes with a suitable wood filler that matches the flooring. This not only improves the appearance but also protects the fasteners from corrosion and the wood from damage.

5. Peeling or Lifting Edges

Understanding Peeling and Lifting

Peeling or lifting edges of floorboards are a clear indication of poor adhesion or damage. This can compromise the floor’s appearance and durability.

Causes of Peeling and Lifting

1. Poor Adhesive Quality: Using low-quality adhesive can result in poor bonding between the floorboards and the subfloor.

2. Insufficient Adhesive Application: If the adhesive is not evenly spread, it can cause parts of the floor to lift over time.

3. Water Damage: Exposure to water can weaken the adhesive and cause the edges to lift or peel.

Solutions

To fix this problem, affected boards may need to be removed and reinstalled with high-quality adhesive applied evenly. Additionally, protecting the floor from water exposure and addressing any moisture issues is essential to prevent recurrence.

Conclusion

Proper installation of engineered timber flooring is crucial to ensure its beauty, durability, and longevity. Recognising the signs of poor installation, such as gaps, unevenness, creaking, visible fasteners, and lifting edges, can help you address issues promptly and maintain the quality of your flooring. Always work with experienced and reputable installers like Step on Flooring, and ensure they follow best practices for acclimation, subfloor preparation, adhesive application, and leaving appropriate expansion gaps. By doing so, you can enjoy the timeless elegance of engineered timber flooring without the headaches of poor installation.