PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES: 12. FLOORING

12.31 Gap at End or Along Strip of Laminate Flooring

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Laminate flooring will have joints at the butt ends and along the length. Gaps resulting from joints that remain open permanently in excess of 1.5 mm (1/16”) in laminate flooring are not acceptable.

Some laminate flooring although installed correctly may have larger gaps by design and this is acceptable.

Areas around heat registers and those exposed to concentrated sunlight may be more susceptible to additional shrinkage.

Warranty Coverage

• 12 months In-Home
• 15 months Common Property

Damage resulting from normal wear and tear or maintenance not conducted in keeping with maintenance documentation provided to the owner by the warranty provider or builder is not covered under warranty.

Claim Response

Flooring not meeting the Acceptable Performance/Condition at possession is to be rectified.

The builder or warranty provider may request one complete heating and cooling season in order to consider settlement and shrinkage of the new home as well as proper humidity levels.

Maintenance Tip

Laminate flooring is made up of individual layers (wood particles/paste) pressed and bonded together, with an image on the surface of the substrate or underlying core layer. Changes in humidity levels of the home can cause dimensional changes (shrinking and swelling). A hygrometer can be used to monitor indoor humidity levels. Laminate floors are installed as floating floors where pieces or sections are fastened to each other rather than the subfloor. Heavy objects or anything that interferes with the floating nature of laminate floors can cause gaps.