Handling Flooring Issues & Defects: What to Look For, How to Report Them & How to Protect Yourself
Even with the best materials and installation teams, flooring projects don’t always go perfectly. Sometimes a plank lifts, a seam opens, or a finish doesn’t look right. Other times, problems show up days or weeks later, long after the installer is gone and on another job.
Knowing how to spot, document, and communicate issues early can make all the difference between a quick fix and a long, frustrating warranty fight. This guide breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to handle every type of post-installation flooring issue confidently and professionally.
Why the Post-Installation Walkthrough Matters
Every flooring project should end with a final walkthrough ideally before the installer leaves the jobsite so he can answer any questions you may have.
During this walkthrough:
Inspect every area under good lighting, check corners, door frames and where materials or appliances/objects meet.
Look for gaps, scratches, uneven transitions, and color differences.
Walk across the entire floor to feel for movement, squeaks, or hollow sounds. Take a broom and tap your tiles, you’ll hear a hollow sound. For hardwood or LVP/Laminate, this isn’t really necessary as most are floating and have tolerance levels.
Make note of anything you’re unsure about even small things!
If something looks off, bring it up immediately. Most installation warranties cover defects found within the first year or two, but waiting too long can make it harder to prove responsibility. Check your local laws to see how long after an installation the company is liable for.
Take photos or short videos of any concerns before furniture or baseboards are reinstalled. Visual proof helps both you and your installer track what changed later.
When You Notice Issues a Few Days Later
It’s common to spot minor issues once you start living on the floor a board edge that lifts slightly, or a grout line that catches your foot each time you pass over.
If you notice something within a few days:
Contact your installer or flooring store immediately.
Explain what you found and ask for a service inspection.Document the date and description with photos and email it to them so they have an idea beforehand.
Avoid making repairs yourself, that can void warranties!
Stay polite but firm. companies and manufacturers are much more responsive when you’re organized and calm but clear that you expect resolution.
Most reputable places want the chance to fix it before it escalates into photos and a poor review.
Common Post-Installation Flooring Issues
| Issue | Flooring Type | Common Causes | Who’s Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gapping or Separation | Wood, Laminate, LVP | Humidity swings, improper acclimation, loose subfloor | Usually installation-related |
| Cupping or Buckling | Wood, Engineered | Moisture imbalance, leaks, improper nailing | Often installation or site conditions |
| Peeling or Delamination | Vinyl, Laminate | Product defect or high moisture | Usually manufacturer |
| Color Variation / Streaking | Carpet, Vinyl, Tile | Batch mismatch, dye lots, uneven sunlight | Could be manufacturer or installer |
| Scratches or Dents | All hard surfaces | Post-install damage, improper handling | Typically not covered |
| Hollow or Popping Sounds | Floating floors | Uneven subfloor, underlayment issue | Installation-related |
| Loose Tile or Grout Cracks | Tile / Stone | Movement in subfloor or improper thinset | Installation-related |
Installation Defects vs. Product Defects
Knowing the difference saves a lot of finger-pointing.
Installation Defects (Installer / Store Responsibility)
These are problems caused by workmanship, prep, or timing not the product itself, examples include:
Uneven floors due to poor leveling during floor prep.
Gaps between planks or tiles from rushed installations or not following their respective installation requirements.
Loose transitions or trims. This usually happens when it wasn’t taken into account beforehand and was added on afterwards.
Flooring lifting from poor adhesive coverage. This is why the proper trowel and notch spacing is important!
Seams not properly sealed which leads to lines in your carpet. Seams can be visible, but you shouldn’t see them right off the bat!
Typical Coverage for Installations: 1–2 years under the installer’s workmanship warranty.
Manufacturer Defects (Product Responsibility)
These are flaws in how the flooring was made, not how it was installed, examples include:
Planks delaminating or their wear layer is peeling off around the corners.
Pattern printing defects or texture inconsistencies. I’ve received boxes of LVP that were all the exact same print design!
Carpet with dye or shading differences, this is common between rolls, which is why we try to use one roll per home, per se, but when that roll or the next has major inconsistencies that needs attention.
Finish wearing through prematurely, this is the least common failure to have happen.
Excessive cupping or curling under normal humidity. This is most likely a poor installation issue, not product, but their always room for outliers.
Typical Coverage: 25 years or more, depending on the product and brand.
How Manufacturers Handle Claims
Manufacturers almost always require:
Proof of purchase (invoice and date)
Photos of the issue
Lot numbers from product boxes
Humidity or moisture readings (especially for wood/vinyl)
Installer information
They often send a third-party inspector to assess. The report determines whether it’s a product issue, an install issue, or “site conditions.”
(Manufacturers often lean toward “site conditions.” It’s not personal; it’s about limiting liability, but imagine you bought our guide and have photos with all your product information documented and logged away, that’s what our pdf’s are there for, to protect you the homeowner!)
How to Avoid Issues in the First Place
Always do a final walkthrough and take photos before moving furniture in.
Report any concerns within days, not weeks.
Know the difference between installer defects and product defects.
Document everything photos, invoices, and communication.
Stay firm but respectful when addressing issues it leads to faster resolutions.
Most flooring issues can be solved early, but ignored ones get expensive fast.
- Maintain temperature and humidity according to manufacturer specs.
- Keep leftover boxes and labels in case replacements are needed.
- Review the warranty before purchase so you know what’s covered.
- Ask for moisture testing documentation before install.
- Hire certified installers NWFA, CFI, or Manufacturer Certified.
Learn how to handle flooring issues and product defects the right way. From post-installation walkthroughs to documenting problems, understanding installer vs. manufacturer responsibility, and filing flooring warranty claims, this complete guide from FlooringStuff.com teaches homeowners how to identify common defects, protect themselves, and get fair resolutions without unnecessary conflict or cost.
Take a look at our Installation Checklist
Protecting new floors after installation is critical for keeping your warranty valid and your floors looking brand new. From controlling humidity and using the right cleaning products, to protecting against scratches, furniture dents, and water damage, this guide from FlooringStuff.com explains how to maintain hardwood, vinyl plank, laminate, and tile floors from day one through the 2-year warranty period and beyond.