Buckling Floor

16 years ago

We have determined there is no leak and has been no spill; yet, our hardwood flooring is buckling in one particular spot. We are on a cement foundation with no basement. Any ideas?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

bus_driver
16 years ago
What is the age of the house? How long has the flooring been in place?
glennsfc
16 years ago
You may have 'rising moisture vapor' in that one spot in the concrete slab. Is the wood installed over a concrete slab on grade?
Related Discussions
buckling wood floors - help!
Q
Comments (2)
sounds like you have solid vs engineered?. Do give them time to settle down before you panic. Sort of depends on how much moisture is there. It could take several weeks for them to settle down if they do. Do run a humidifier to get rid of extra moisture.
...See More
Wood floor buckling in 8 yr. old house
Q
Comments (5)
We have had buckling in our floors due to structural problems. We have expansive soil around here, which is causing us and many neighbors--also the builder--lots of headaches. Just got our engineer's report today. Needless to say, that has put a cramp in our "update the house" budget. I would contact a reputable structural engineer in your area, particularly if you have expansive soil. Good luck!
...See More
buckled parquet floor
Q
Comments (4)
Wood being hygroscopic, swells with added moisture, and shrinks with a loss of moisture. That is what wood does. A board milled at exactly 3" wide @ 8% moisture content, will always be 3" wide at 8% moisture content, No matter if it gained or lost moisture in its existence. It will be less then 3" below 8%MC and it will be wider then 3" above 8%MC
...See More
New home with buckling floors
Q
Comments (9)
The shape of the wood will tell you the direction the moisture is coming from. The planks are cupping (edges of the planks are HIGHER than the centers). If you can image the plank is shaped like an arrow head, the "point" will tell you where to look. Cupping boards tell us (visually) that the BOTTOM of the floors are WETTER than the top. The arrow head is pointing "down" (I hope I'm saying that right). So...crawlspace. They can be the DEATH of wood floors if done poorly. And you've already discovered that the builder likes to cut corners. And anything that is "out of sight" would be considered "out of mind" by this guy. Photos of the craw space and humidity readings of the area will be the biggest place to look. And an NWFA Certified Inspector is worth his/her weight in GOLD when it comes to new builds. Their reports hold up in court and they can help you get a new floor should this one be beyond salvaging.
...See More
momrox4
Original Author
16 years ago
Bus Driver: the house (and floor) are 19; built in '89.

glennsfc: not sure what is meant by "on grade" but yes, the wood is installed over a concrete slab.

Many thanks.
bigmuddy11
16 years ago
perhaps that particular part of the floor had different moisture content and was not as dry as the rest therefore now buckling, or if an established for many years floor if it is a floating type floor is it possible there is a problem with expansion area at edges being blocked so with different weather changes floors expand and contract, maybe the expansion has been blocked at the edges so causing it to rise in the next weakest spot? my advice is replace as soon as possible the warped bit incase it is pulling the rest up with it.
User
16 years ago
After 19 years, there is new moisture in that one spot of the concrete. Is it possible water or sewer lines run under that spot and maybe they broke?

If you have clay sewer pipes, they would be my first guess.

Related Stories

FUN HOUZZ Buckle Up for a Modern Mobile Cabin in a Bus

By Mitchell Parker

See an innovative off-the-grid living space designed by an architecture student — with room for 6 and a sunbathing spot

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES The Case for Linoleum and Vinyl Floors

By Paul Anater

Have pets, kids and a tight budget? Easy-care resilient floors may be the choice for you

Full Story

116

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Hardwood Floors

By Bonnie McCarthy

Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Find out how to keep them that way

Full Story

460

FLOORS Will Cork Float for Your Bathroom Floor?

By Rachel Grace

Get the facts on advantages, disadvantages, costs and installation to see if a cork bathroom floor is right for you

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES When to Use Engineered Wood Floors

By Paul Anater

See why an engineered wood floor could be your best choice (and no one will know but you)

Full Story

269

REMODELING GUIDES Laminate Floors: Get the Look of Wood (and More) for Less

By Paul Anater

See what goes into laminate flooring and why you just might want to choose it

Full Story

156

MATERIALS What to Ask Before Choosing a Hardwood Floor

By Mitchell Parker

We give you the details on cost, installation, wood varieties and more to help you pick the right hardwood flooring

Full Story

176

ENTRYWAYS Get a Mudroom Floor That’s Strong and Beautiful Too

By Lisa Higgins

Learn the flooring materials that can handle splashes and splatters with ease and still keep their good looks

Full Story

By Sam Ferris

Which kitchen flooring is right for you? An expert gives us the rundown

Full Story

365

REMODELING GUIDES Linoleum, the All-Purpose Flooring Wonder

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Dashing in a rainbow of colors, able to be cleaned with ease and courteous to budgets everywhere, linoleum is a super choice for floors

Full Story

Buckling Floor

Comments (5)

bus_driver

glennsfc

Related Discussions

momrox4
Original Author

bigmuddy11

User

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Buckling Floor

Comments (5)

bus_driver

glennsfc

Related Discussions

momrox4Original Author

bigmuddy11

User

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

momrox4
Original Author