Flooring Lifting

[totallyflooredme]

Over the last month or so, I have noticed that flooring in all rooms of my first floor flat has started to lift in numerous places. I can feel it in my laminate, and also under carpeted floors.

I had reason to believe there was possibly a leak under my bath and thought this was perhaps the issue. Plumber called out, and no leak.

What else could be causing this? I’m really starting to panic.

Thanks.

Is it a new build? Could the sub floor be chip wood boards that aren't fixed down properly because that would cause flexing when walked on.

Hi, thanks.

No, far from it. Built approx 1900.

When you say lifting you mean the laminate or the subfloor or both? Laminate can lift in the middle of rooms if there is no expansion gap around the sides. Wood will swell and shrink with the heat and moisture so with the hot weather and increased humidity that could have caused the floor to bulge over the past month if not installed correctly.

Assuming you have planks for your subfloor in an older house then these shouldn’t be bulging. How do you know this is happening under carpet? Only way to confirm would be to bring carpet back in that place and inspect. Pretty easy job to do but may be disruptive depending on where the area is.

The laminate has been down for years, I’ve been here for four years and it was already laid. I did notice a bouncy part early on, but these others one, I can feel the ridges on my feet when I walk and feel the edges with my fingers, if that makes sense.

Re the carpeted areas, again I can feel the edges of the plans under the carpet when I walk, etc.

And there seems to be more creaking from the floor in general.

So, stuff can work loose over time and laminate can worsen through repeated shrink / expansion. If it’s at the point of bothering you then you or someone you pay is going to have to pull up the carpet / laminate to take a look. Other thought is for the carpeted area at least the joists could be failing. When I replaced our sub floor a few years back there were a few joists that were pretty much eaten through with wood worm. That would make them bounce and whilst you or your contractor are down there you / they should take a look.

If laminate is lifting, I would suspect damp under it.

Is it happening near a room that contains water?

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It’s happening in all rooms. My room, kitchen, living room, and hall. Bathroom seems least affected, although I think it’s started on one of my tiles. I’ve not checked my sons room.

So if it’s laminate then water is present somewhere causing swelling. Could be humidity. Could be something more sinister though if happening in all rooms I’d suggest it’s not a water escape as you’d be aware of it by now I reckon. If it were me I’d probably start with taking the skirting boards out to check for a gap. If boards pushing up against the wall then you’d need to multi-tool a gap. This assumes that the planks aren’t individually secured or glued. Could try a de-humidifier if you have one. If flooring old / cheap then consider ripping up?

Any possible chance the whole house is moving?

Any big structural works done below or around your property?
Any changes to the roofs or walls of connected properties?
Anybody got new windows or plants they could be watering (in or outside of their property)
Water can move down and over
Have you asked the property below you if their cellings are OK? No cracks or stains

You need to lift a piece and look underneath. If it is water, it can creep unseen under the laminate. Try lifting a corner where it will be less noticeable. Maybe inside a cabinet or under an appliance such as the washing machine.

You will also be able to see if there is a defect in the subfloor, though I think that is less likely. If you are unlucky enough to have a chipboard floor, that will also swell and turn to mush if wet.