 |
 |
|
At Mercier, we strive for nothing short of excellence. By developing and mastering state-of-the-art procedures, we stay on the cutting edge of flooring technology, taking the industry to new heights of innovation time and time again.
FAQ
FAQ - Problems
QuestionMy 3/4'' or 9/16'' solid wood floor is cupping, with the boards higher at the edges than in the middle.
Answer
Cupping is due to varying humidity levels in the floorboards. Like a sponge, the floor has absorbed humidity after installation, causing boards to expand. This is not caused by a product defect but rather the surrounding conditions. A number of factors may explain changing humidity levels.
Too much subfloor humidity or very humid basement: Board undersides absorb more moisture than the top surface, which causes top and bottom to expand unequally and cup.
Water leak or spill on floor: Water infiltrates between boards and is absorbed by their undersides. This situation causes board undersides to swell, resulting in cupping.
Very high relative humidity: When it is humid, wood absorbs moisture from the air and expands. As planks are fixed to the subfloor, they cannot move freely and therefore push together, which causes cupping. Small expansion joints aggravate this problem.
Question
There are spaces between my floorboards.
Answer
The appearance of spaces between floorboards is due to varying humidity levels in the boards. This is not caused by a product defect but rather the surrounding conditions. A number of factors may explain changing humidity levels.
Boards too humid prior to installation: Boards with internal moisture levels that are too high were installed. This problem may be due to a number of factors such as a very humid environment (wet concrete, moist subfloor, fresh paint, etc.), boards exposed to rain upon delivery, and more. The wood has thus absorbed moisture and expanded before installation. Once installed and ambient conditions have returned to normal, wood will lose its excess humidity and shrink, leaving a space between each board.
Relative humidity levels too low: When air humidity is too low (often in winter), boards tend to lose their moisture and shrink. This problem is common in winter and disappears in most cases in the spring.
Question
My floor creaks.
Answer
Numerous factors may cause a creaking floor. Some are listed below.
Inadequate subfloor: For nail installations, the subfloor must be plywood or OSB panels. Particleboard is not suitable.
Inadequate subfloor thickness: The recommended thickness of subfloor panels (plywood or OSB) is 3/4'' for joists spaced 19" or less apart on center. Anything less than this may cause the floor to creak when it bends. Wider joist spans may also have the same effect.
Floorboard direction: Boards run in the same direction as the joists.
Weak structure: The subfloor is not firmly attached to the joists with floor screws, leaving space between the joists and subfloor.
Question
The color of the moldings (nosing and reducer strips) does not match the rest of the floor.
Answer
As wood is a natural material and each floorboard is unique, the tones in the floor will vary. Before installing your floor, make sure you select boards that are the best color match for the moldings to avoid abrupt transitions.
Question
My wood floor has yellowed over time and the boards under rugs and furniture are lighter than the rest.
Answer
It is natural for wood to yellow or change color. Though Mercier Generations features a highly effective non-yellowing screen to slow and reduce this phenomenon, floors will darken or lighten depending on the species . Move your furniture and rugs occasionally to standardize color variations.
Question
My wood floor has deep scratches.
Answer
Though made from very hard species, hardwood floors may be damaged by dragging heavy objects, poorly trimmed pet claws, legs of furniture, wheeled chairs, and more. Take the necessary precautions in the Mercier maintenance guide. You may replace damaged boards without sanding and refinishing the surface.
