Engineered Hardwood Flooring: 7 Problems and Their Solutions

Engineered Hardwood Flooring: 7 Problems and Their Solutions

Engineered hardwood is a popular flooring solution for homes and businesses alike. Given its many advantages, including its durability and resistance to temperature changes, it makes sense why people choose this option.

Engineered hardwood flooring is a more intricate material than solid hardwood flooring as it consists of various layers. Its construction also varies substantially between manufacturers and products. And, just like any other flooring material, even top-rated engineered hardwood flooring is subject to challenges.

Here are some issues and their solutions that you need to be aware of when buying engineered hardwood flooring.

Issues That Affect Engineered Hardwood Flooring

You will be hard-pressed to find any flooring without drawbacks. Construction differences across brands and products tend to affect flooring’s performance in various environments. That’s why you need to learn about these issues so that you can address them before buying.

Problem: Dry Cupping

Dry cupping is when low humidity causes the top layer of planks to shrink and dry out. The edges of the planks then rise higher than the centre, giving the appearance of cups. This common issue can be seasonal, with planks reverting to their original form when weather turns humid.

Solution: The best solution is to use an HVAC system to keep the room’s humidity within the range required by the product manufacturer.

Problem: Delamination

Delamination refers to the layers in an engineered plank separating at the glue line. This problem may arise due to the incorrect application of adhesive during the manufacturing process or repeated exposure to moisture. It often becomes apparent only after installation, and can occur whether you’re installing engineered wide or narrow plank flooring.

Solution: Delamination is more likely in poor-quality engineered flooring which is why we recommend using the best engineered hardwood flooring from reputable and trustworthy manufacturers.

While engineered hardwood flooring is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, prolonged and repeated exposure to high levels of moisture can cause delamination.

Problem: Endlifting

The term ‘endlifting’ refers to the appearance of raised or curved ends on installed engineered hardwood flooring. This is caused when the flooring is incompatible with the environment in which it is installed.

When engineered hardwood flooring experiences an increase in moisture, the core material swells more quickly and in a different direction than the surrounding layers. This causes the ends of the plank to lift.

This can also be caused by inadequate HVAC systems, wet mopping, the use of steam mops, and even a lack of breathable rugs on engineered hardwood floors.

Solution: The best way to avoid endlifting is to maintain relatively consistent humidity year round. Most engineered hardwood floors work well in a relative humidity range between 35% and 55%, although this may vary by manufacturer. So, make sure to check the relative humidity of rooms in which you have engineered hardwood floors. Also, avoid too much wet mopping, as it can cause your flooring more harm than good.

Engineered hardwood is low maintenance. When wet mopping, make sure the area is dry and does not have standing water on it for long.

Lastly, be very careful of where you install your engineered hardwood flooring. Doing so in high moisture areas will lead to issues down the line.

Problem: Wood Sheer

Wood shear arises when the external stresses in a single engineered flooring plank are greater than the strength of the wood fibres within it, causing the fibres to tear. Wood fibres that are still bonded to the adhesive layer at the point of separation will be visible.

There are several reasons for wood sheer. One is when flooring layers shrink or swell excessively due to low humidity or excessive moisture. Another reason is inadequate or faulty HVAC systems, which can cause elevated humidity.

Solution: Make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly and get it routinely checked. Always check the relative humidity prescribed by the manufacturer and keep it at that level. The worst-case scenario is that you may have to replace the affected planks.

Problem: Veneer Sand-Through

One of the many benefits of engineered hardwood flooring is that it can be refinished. However, when the wear layer (or veneer) is completely sanded off, it exposes the core layer to damage. That’s why you need to be careful when sanding engineered hardwood flooring.

Solution: Do not refinish your engineered wood flooring too often. Once the top layer is completely gone, replace this flooring to avoid further damage.

Problem: Telegraphing

When the core material inside the plank begins to show through, this is called ‘telegraphing’. This can happen when the plank loses or gains moisture, leading to changes within the composition of the core’s dimension. Telegraphing can also happen when there is an issue during the core’s manufacture.

Solution: Always invest in high-quality engineered hardwood flooring. If the manufacturer is not known for the quality of their product, it will most likely have issues down the line.

Also, make sure you maintain your engineered hardwood flooring on a daily basis and do not leave your floors wet for prolonged periods of time.

Problem: Poor Installation

Investing in the best engineered hardwood flooring is not enough. It must also be installed well. Otherwise, it may lead to gaps and the other flooring issues described here.

Solution: Hire installers for the best results. Take your time and choose reputable flooring service providers (like AA Floors) to complete your project.

 
It is important to understand that while some of these issues can be remedied, it is best to prevent them altogether. This includes taking time to read the manufacturer’s guidelines both before and after installation. Make sure you get your engineered hardwood installed by professionals for the best results and have a robust maintenance solution for their longevity. Need help? Talk to our experts at AA Floors. We can help solve any flooring dilemma.