Laminate flooring is quickly becoming the material of choice for many residential and business owners that wan the high end look of hardwood or tile but want options that are more affordable. Thanks to top technology in manufacturing flooring material, laminate flooring gives the appearance and feel of more expensive material without the big price tag. However, like all flooring material, laminate flooring can run into a few problems, particularly where moisture is concerned.
Bowing is when a plank of laminate is affected by the moisture content and it curves instead of lying flat. When a flooring inspector is called into a job to check out a reported bowing, they need to make a detailed analysis to they can find out what’s going on and recommend what to do. Noting whether the planks are concave or convex can help flooring inspectors figure out what the problem is and how to remedy it.
Concave laminate planks means the top, or finished, side of the flooring is bowed upward. If the flooring inspector looked at the plank at floor level, it would resemble and arch or a rainbow. Convex bowing happens when the top, or finished, side is bowed inward. The flooring inspector might liken a convex bowing to a U shape. Either way, concave and convex bowing means that moisture has gotten into the fibers of the laminates and affected the integrity of the construction.
Flooring inspectors are the ones to help customers in need with their flooring issues. Knowing the different terminology and what to look for is the first step in helping to resolve flooring problems with laminates.
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