Cross Post: Problemd with Engineered Hardwood

8 years ago

Posted this in the Flooring forum, but received only one one word response. So decided to post the query here.

Engineered hardwood is in all of the bedrooms and we love it. However, in one of the bedrooms and in the master bedroom closet flooring, a development that we can't understand has occurred. When one steps in certain parts of the one bedroom and the master bedroom closet, the floor makes a soft crackling sound. Its as if the hardwood veneer has parted from the underlying fabrication. Don't know if I am explaining this correctly, but hope you get what I mean. The flooring was installed about 12 years ago to the best of my recollection. Can anyone make recommendations or have any thoughts on what has occurred? This is a mystery to us.

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Comments (6)

grandma_bonnie
8 years ago
I love ours - any way you can find the manufacturer? I would contact them and ask questions...
User
8 years ago
"Its as if the hardwood veneer has parted from the underlying fabrication."

It may not have separated...as in delaminating...but it does sound as though the sub-flooring may have settled in that area. Sub-flooring is usually plywood and unless you see signs of foundation settlement in that area of the house from the outside, then there are a myriad of possible causes. If this is a first floor room and you have a stand-up basement that will allow you to look up at this sub-floor area...that would be my first suggestion. Things to be considered would include water damage...from pipes or some other water entry area...or termites [unlikely unless you live in a popular termite area]. If your "Walnut Creek" name is referencing Walnut Creek, CA then termites are a possibility. Some uninvited influence has caused the sub-flooring to warp. My guess...knowing very little about your structure...would be some form of water damage.

If you can locate the floor joists...you can re-anchor the creaking floor by driving a screw...or several screws...depending on the overall area of the creaking...into the joist from the floor surface. But...unless the cause of the separation/warp is identified and corrected/rectified...it will happen again.

The other possibility is to have the flooring removed in the creaking area and replaced but considering the age of the flooring...unless you're lucky and can match the color exactly...I wouldn't recommend this approach.

Personally...not knowing any more about your structure than what you've posted...I'd consider having a structural engineer inspect the area.

Hope this helps.
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Elmer J Fudd
8 years ago
Two possiblities come to mind -

- Has it been more humid than normal in your area when or before this problem developed? Wood can expand and contract with humidityj. I think manufactured floor product may be less susceptible than whole wood boards but I think it may still be a problem. Properly installed, room is left for expansion and contraction.

- Maybe the product has indeed delaminated as Anne suggests.

Either way, i think your call should be to a floor installer (do you know who put it in?). A structrual engineer would be overkill. Save that for when a wall, ceiling or floor suddenly has a multiple inch lean or drop in one spot.
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I could see issues with the veneer if the hot spots were in a high traffic area, but not in the type of lower traffic spaces you are having trouble in. I concur with Anne, the subflooring is probably giving a bit. It could just be from age and/or the need for a little more support. An old remedy used for squeeking floors (so not sure if it would work for Engineered) is to sweep talc powder in between the boards.

Can I suggest you post this in the Decor forum and even the Kitchen Forum?. There are so many flooring questions in there that the pros will often chime in.
nicole___
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Engineered hardwood usually curls a little over time. Or it also has an underlayment, sort of a blanket under it. I'd start by lifting up the section with a little crow bar and seeing if the under layment is in tact. If it has a slight buckle in it, it may be breaking down. Is there a wobble to the section in question? Any little bit of debri under it can make problems later on.

"If" the floor made a "creaking" sound, I'd say the plywood under the planking needs to be nailed down better. Either way, I'd take a look if you think it's important....? or just live with it,,,

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2687226/my-new-floating-hardwood-creaks
Michael
8 years ago
Does the floor have transition strips close to the crackling sounds?

Cross Post: Problemd with Engineered Hardwood

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grandma_bonnie

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