9.3 Flooring: Laminate

1. Description

   Laminate flooring is a multi-layer material made from wood fiber, resin, a printed wood image, and wear layer. This composition is designed to simulate the appearance of natural wood. Laminate is typically more durable against scuff and scratches than hardwood flooring, however, it can be easily damaged from impact.

2. Warranty Period

   All new flooring receives 1-year warranty coverage for installation issues from the installer from the initial date of occupancy of the building. Any defects in products purchased by WUD directly from the manufacturer, rather than through the installer, must be handled between WUD and the manufacturer. The installer provides no warranty on manufacturer defects.

   When a building is sold, the WUD-supplied warranty coverage period will be as described in the contract between WUD and the buyer.

3. Potentially Warrantable Issues

   1. Buckling or cupped edges* (RCPG 12.32, 12.33)
   2. Damage reported on or before completion for common areas
   3. Damage reported on or before initial occupancy for residential units
   4. Unlevel planks (ridges or depressions) (RCPG 12.2)
   5. Gaps between floor boards
   6. Exposed edge visible at baseboard or wall
   7. Delamination or flaking of wear-layer
   8. Clicking sound while walked up (missing or inadequate underlayment)
   9. Excessive depression of laminate when walked upon**
   10. Floor is out of level*** (RCPG 2.7)
   * Buckling or cupping occurring from manufacturing defect may be warrantable in accordance with sections 12.32 or 12.33 of the Residential Construction Performance Guide. Buckling, cupping, or swelling as a result of liquid spillage and absorption is not considered warrantable.
   ** Visible ridges or depressions between floor boards, indicating installation defect or breakage of laminate locking mechanism, may be considered warrantable in the absence of impact damage.
   *** Wood-framed subfloors may not be perfectly level due to shrinkage of materials, settlement, or initial construction. This is not typically warrantable unless the floor is out of level my more that 1” over a continuous 10’ span.

4. Non-Warrantable Issues

   1. Expansion/contraction “cracking” sounds
   2. Slight manufacturer colour/pattern variations
   3. Damage reported after completion for common areas
   4. Damage reported after initial occupancy for residential units

5. Prevention and Maintenance

   1. Never use bleach, hot water, coloured chemicals, and/or harsh chemicals on laminate. Follow manufacturer recommendations for chemically cleaning laminate flooring.
   2. Do not oversaturate laminate flooring or allow liquids to pool. Wood fibers in laminate flooring may expand when exposed to excess moisture.
   3. Avoid the use of abrasive cleaning products or devices that may damage the surface of the laminate flooring.
   4. Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas frequently to remove sand and other small, rigid debris that may scratch the surface of the laminate flooring.
   5. Apply window coverings in area receiving direct sunlight to minimize the potential of fading.