PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES: 12. FLOORING

12.35 Laminate Floor Expansion Gap Under Baseboard or Trim Strip

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Baseboard mouldings and transition strips between different flooring materials shall be of sufficient width to cover gaps allowing for expansion and contraction of the laminate floor due to normal changes in humidity levels within the home.

Warranty Coverage

• 12 months In-Home
• 15 months Common Property

Damage resulting from 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 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

An area of laminate flooring expands and contracts as a unit with changes in humidity. Low humidity levels in a home can cause a laminate floor to contract more than manufacturer’s tolerances causing a gap at the perimeter.