Vinyl Floor Inspections and Installation Issues
Vinyl plank flooring has been on the residential and commercial flooring market since the 1980’s, though in its earliest form it was only a dry back version designed to be glued to the substrate. Modern vinyl plank choices include a variety of installation options, including glue down, click-fit and loose laid versions.
Vinyl planking on the market today may be advertised LVP, LVT, SPC, WPC, or rigid plank. The market share of vinyl planks has been steadily rising, and claims have increased with more product being sold.
Pictures on this page illustrate the issues that we as Certified Flooring Inspectors have seen in the field.
Flared Ends
This picture shows a condition called flared ends, where the last 3/16” of the plank is ramped up adjacent to the end joints. There are multiple possible causes for this condition. A professional flooring inspection is needed to identify the extent and cause of the issue.
Concave Bowing or Curling
This photo shows a condition known as concave bowing or curl/curling, where the edges and ends of the plans are higher than the centers. After a time, the edges may crack and break off, and may become a safety issue. There are multiple possible causes for this condition. A professional flooring inspection is needed to identify the extent and cause of the issue.
Vinyl Plank Floor - Side Joint Cracking
This photo shows cracking along the side joint of vinyl plank flooring. The cracks may be of any length, even extending the entire length of the plank. Here the printed wear layer has flaked off. As this progresses, it may become a safety issue. There are multiple possible causes for this condition. A professional flooring inspection is needed to identify the extent and cause of the issue.
Wavy Appearance
This photo shows a wavy appearance to the planks. Note that the issue stops and starts at the planks edges. A professional inspection is necessary to identify the issue on installed and leftover planks.
End Joint Gaps
This photo shows an end joint gap. Gaps may become wider over time, and debris and soil may fill in the gap, becoming a sanitary concern. There are multiple possible causes for this condition. A professional flooring inspection is needed to identify the extent and cause of the issue.
Chips in Flooring
This photo shows a chip in an SPC or mineral core plank flooring. While most chips are locally caused, either during installation or after, a professional inspect can evaluate the flooring for possible manufacturing related plank hardness issues.
Does your floor exhibit any of these symptoms?
If so, please use the Search function to locate a Certified Flooring Inspector in your area to identify the problem, its cause and find who can help.