6/22/2008
8:17:49 PM 

This is due to a tight fit, the groove is undersized, caused one side (groove) to raise 2/1000" when installed.

If it weren't for the lighting it probably wouldn't have been noticed.

6/23/2008
9:14:47 AM 

Engineered, glue down.

I'm sure the installer noticed, but the boards went together (probably with some tapping), and the job looked fine. The consumer never noticed a thing until her floor-covering-installer- brother arrived 5 months later and informed her the floor was cupping.

It's up to the mfg whether or not they cover it.

6/23/2008
12:32:58 PM 

stephen,

can you not see the photos? The edges are raised and the balance of the plank is flat.

6/23/2008
11:40:02 PM 

now, how to blame Stephen for that! ??? must be a way, must be a
way, must be a way!

6/24/2008
8:22:55 PM 

I think I would have been a little harder on this inspection...but perhaps not.

Did you have any extra boards that helped you reach your conclusion?

When I ask what style I meant what brand?
(I should have made myself more clear.)

6/28/2008
4:15:25 AM 

<< This is due to a tight fit, the groove is undersized, caused one side (groove) to raise 2/1000" when installed. >> two one thousands of an inch ? I don't see how the naked eye from a standing position could ascertain that. I think the in floor heat and the RH levels may have more to do with this.

6/28/2008
1:12:07 PM 

I can see how this would work, look at the edges real close on the wood they are not a normal swell it is different, that is why I ascertained expansion.

What Linda is saying is fitting the picture and I belive; The boards did not look like this when first layed but the did with the first 48-72 hours this is how the installer overlooked it, all he knew was the boards were a pain to install.
He should have been giving a medal for completing it to the customers satisfaction.

Perhaps he did call into and the the shop and say: "These boards are really fitting tight" and they said: "Install it we need the money to make this weeks payroll!"

Anyhow... The job was done and looked great then overnight the expansion-ghost came by and the board was bound to its own tongue and groove it had nowhere to go but up. I though the cupping looked odd it is more than cupping I bet it is not even a true radius.
It seems formed around the the tongue

This would confirm Linda's conclusion and explain why the installer did not catch it.

This should also be a warning to retailers to listen to your installer. When he calls you and suggest there could be a problem with the install; Listen .

When I was installing I cannot tell you how many times I would forwarn the retailer and the warning was ignored because there was a client in the shop or the job had to be done the meet payroll.

This is all the reason that I beleive all inspectors should be former installers or have install related backgrounds or background experience directly related to floorcoverings.
IE:
If the plumbing inspector decides one day to become a flooring inspector I do see any validity in his experience level.

As installers we have an intuitive thinking to solve an issue that only comes after years on the floor.

6/28/2008
2:17:19 PM 

To answer Steven: Attend NOFMA training for your answer on how to measure tongue/groove.

Installers, as a general rule, always tend to take sides and few succeed as inspectors. They often have an agenda, when inspecting is all about investigations/tests/report writing.

Linda has not installed a floor and figured this one out just fine.

It is what it is.

6/28/2008
3:13:16 PM 

I take you word for it,
I was not there,

6/28/2008
5:22:42 PM 

I agree Roland.