Hardwood inspection
Solid hardwood problems and inspection
Solid hardwood is a natural material that swells when it takes on moisture and shrinks when it dries out. Most hardwood complaints, like cupping, gaps and buckling, come down to moisture, installation or finish problems. An independent inspection finds which one, so the right party fixes it.
Common hardwood problems
Why is my hardwood floor cupping?
Cupping means the edges of each board sit higher than the center. It almost always means the bottom of the boards holds more moisture than the top. The moisture usually comes from below (a damp slab or crawlspace), from a leak, or from high indoor humidity.
Why is my hardwood floor crowning?
Crowning is the opposite of cupping: the center of each board is higher than the edges. It usually happens when a cupped floor was sanded flat before it dried, or when moisture reaches the top of the boards.
Why is my hardwood floor buckling or lifting off the subfloor?
Buckling is when boards lift away from the subfloor. It is the most severe moisture reaction in wood flooring, usually caused by flooding, a major leak or missing expansion space.
Why are there gaps between my hardwood floor boards?
Some seasonal gapping is normal in solid hardwood: boards shrink in dry months and close up again when humidity returns. Gaps that are wide, permanent or getting worse point to a moisture or installation problem.
Why is my hardwood floor squeaking?
Squeaks come from movement: boards rubbing against each other or fasteners sliding in the subfloor. Common causes are a subfloor that isn't flat or stiff enough, too few fasteners, or seasonal drying.
Why is the finish peeling off my hardwood floor?
Peeling finish is almost always an adhesion failure between coats or between the finish and the wood. Typical causes are contamination from cleaners or polishes, poor abrasion between coats, or incompatible products.
Need a hardwood floor inspected?
Tell us what you're seeing and we'll explain the next step. We cover every county in Southern California and only inspect. We don't sell or install flooring.