Engineered Hardwood Problems: Delamination, Peaking and When to Call an Inspector
Updated: 3 days ago
Need an independent answer about your floor? Contact NWFA certified inspector Joe Avila:
Phone: (908) 232-6600
Email: joe@hugginsflooring.com
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Office: 406B W Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090. Serving clients nationwide.
Engineered hardwood is built in layers: a real wood wear layer bonded to a plywood or composite core. That build makes it more stable than solid wood, but it can still fail. When it does, the failure usually looks different from solid hardwood.
Common Engineered Hardwood Problems
Delamination
Delamination is when the layers of an engineered board separate. Most often the top wear layer lifts or blisters away from the core. Common causes:
Excess moisture from a slab, a leak, or wet cleaning
Adhesive or bonding problems during manufacturing
Long-term exposure to very high or very low humidity
Steam mops and harsh cleaning methods
Delamination raises the key question of installation defect or manufacturing defect. The answer usually decides who pays.
Peaking
Peaking is when two boards push against each other and rise into a ridge at the joint. It's usually caused by expansion with nowhere to go:
Missing or blocked expansion space at walls, cabinets or door frames
Floating floors pinned down by heavy cabinets, islands or trim
A rise in moisture content after installation
Gapping And Separation
Gaps between boards can come from dry conditions, a floating floor that's shifting, or poor acclimation.
Cupping And Buckling
Engineered floors resist cupping better than solid hardwood but aren't immune. A wet slab or crawlspace can still cup or buckle an engineered floor.
Finish And Wear-layer Problems
Thin wear layers limit how many times a floor can be sanded. Finish defects such as peeling, bubbling or excessive scratching may point to the product or to the maintenance.
What To Do If Your Engineered Floor Is Failing
Photograph the damage with dates, and note where in the home it occurs.
Keep the product information: box labels, lot numbers, receipts and installation instructions.
Record indoor humidity with an inexpensive hygrometer.
Don't let anyone sand, cut out or replace boards until the cause is documented.
Get an independent inspection before filing or appealing a warranty claim.
Quick Answers About Engineered Hardwood Problems
What Causes Engineered Hardwood To Delaminate?
Usually excess moisture, adhesive or bonding failures in manufacturing, extreme humidity, or improper cleaning such as steam mopping. An inspection determines which one applies.
What Is Peaking In Engineered Hardwood?
Peaking is when boards press against each other and lift into a ridge at the joint. It's usually caused by expansion without enough expansion space, or by a floating floor pinned down by heavy objects.
Is Delamination Covered By Warranty?
Many manufacturers cover delamination caused by a manufacturing defect, but not damage caused by moisture, installation errors or improper care. Documented evidence of the cause is what decides the claim.
Can Engineered Hardwood Be Repaired?
Individual boards can often be replaced, and floors with a thick enough wear layer can be refinished. Repair should wait until the cause is known and fixed.
Get An Independent Answer
National Wood Floor Consultants inspects engineered and solid hardwood floors for homeowners, builders, manufacturers and attorneys nationwide. Call (908) 232-6600 or book a consultation with NWFA certified inspector Joe Avila.
About The Author
Joe Avila is the founder and lead consultant of National Wood Floor Consultants, with 26 years in wood flooring. He is an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector, installer and sander, and teaches accredited AIA, ASID and IDCEC continuing education for architects and designers. His project experience includes Montclair University, One Wall Street, institutional and landmark buildings, and luxury residences and penthouses, and he pioneered subfloor sound-attenuation systems for New York City apartments. Read Joe's full profile.
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