Problem

Contact the original contractor first, as they have rectification rights under Australian Consumer Laws for minor repairs. If the issue persists, get a second opinion through an onsite verbal meeting, a full written inspection with results within 10 working days, or a specialised written report for complex disputes. FSA Network floor sanders can also provide expert assessment of floor problems.

Three types exist: onsite verbal meetings for uncertain concerns with a minimum cost, full written inspections for known problems with results within 10 working days, and specialised written reports for complex, legal, or multi-party disputes with cost quoted based on case analysis. Floor Sanding Australia recommends getting professional assessment before attempting any remedial work.

Cupping occurs when board edges are higher or lower than the centre, often caused by heat or dry conditions creating a moisture imbalance through the board thickness. It is one of the most common performance issues in solid timber floors. FSA Network floor sanders can diagnose the cause of cupping and recommend the appropriate solution.

Peaking resembles cupping but results from expansion pressure between boards rather than a moisture gradient through the board thickness. It produces a pressure-related cupped appearance and is particularly common in higher density backsawn hardwoods installed in moderate to humid localities. FSA Network floor sanders understand the critical difference between peaking and cupping for correct diagnosis.

Tenting occurs when adjoining board edges lift above adjacent flooring, often caused by moisture exposure leading to expansion. It is more severe than cupping and indicates significant expansion pressure in the floor system. Floor Sanding Australia professionals can assess tenting and determine whether moisture management or other intervention is needed.

Buckling occurs when multiple boards raise above adjacent areas, typically caused by excessive moisture absorption or insufficient expansion allowance at the perimeter. In floated floor sections, it is most commonly caused by inadequate expansion gaps. FSA Network floor sanders ensure proper expansion allowance to prevent buckling in every installation.

Crowning appears when floors become wet, cup, and are then sanded prematurely before moisture has balanced through the boards. This creates a surface where the centre of each board is higher than the edges -- the opposite of cupping. Floor Sanding Australia warns that sanding cupped floors before moisture has stabilised leads to permanent crowning.

Floated floors commonly produce creaks from subfloor imperfections and joint movement between boards. Minor noise in limited areas is acceptable, but persistent loud noise in main walkways requires remedial work. FSA Network floor sanders assess subfloor preparation thoroughly to minimise noise in floating floor installations.

Swelled edges occur when moisture is absorbed into laminate floor cores, causing permanent swelling that cannot be reversed. Board replacement is the only solution as the damage is irreversible. Floor Sanding Australia advises protecting laminate floors from moisture exposure to prevent this permanent damage.

Failure to adequately provide for swelling has resulted in many performance issues including peaking, tenting, and buckling. Movement allowance must be provided at installation to cope with natural expansion from seasonal humidity changes. Floor Sanding Australia stresses that proper expansion gaps are one of the most critical aspects of any timber floor installation.

Hollow or drummy sounds in adhesive-fixed floors over concrete slabs do not necessarily indicate a problem. They are caused by undulations in concrete slabs (up to 3mm over 3m is typical) and adhesive application methods, and moisture-curing polyurethane adhesives remain with some degree of flexibility. FSA Network floor sanders can assess whether hollow sounds in your floor are normal or require attention.

Squeaking is caused by board-on-board rubbing at tongue and groove joints, board-on-nail friction, subfloor framing movement, or door joinery rubbing. Excessive squeaking should not be taken lightly as the annoyance can be a legitimate concern. FSA Network floor sanders can diagnose the source of squeaking and recommend appropriate remedial action.

Limited hollow-sounding spots under individual boards without vertical movement typically need no remedial work. These are common in adhesive-fixed floors over concrete slabs due to normal slab undulations of up to 3mm over 3m. Floor Sanding Australia can assess whether hollow sounds in your floor are within normal tolerances.

Lyctus borers can infest hardwood flooring, creating small holes and powder trails as larvae eat through the timber. ATFA provides technical information on both lyctus/borers and termites in timber floors as part of their industry knowledge base. FSA Network floor sanders can identify borer activity and advise on treatment and affected board replacement.

Tattooing is a recognised issue in timber flooring that ATFA documents in their technical information sheets. It refers to marks or patterns transferred onto the floor surface from external sources. FSA Network floor sanders can identify tattooing and recommend appropriate remedial treatment.

Flood-inundated timber floors are a specific topic covered by ATFA, requiring careful assessment and staged drying to avoid permanent damage. High-density hardwoods are slow to take up moisture but equally slow to release it, so recovery takes considerable time. FSA Network floor sanders have experience assessing and restoring water-damaged timber floors.

Checking or surface splits occur when timber moisture content drops dramatically, typically in unoccupied homes during hot dry seasons where internal moisture content can fall to 4%. This severe shrinkage causes the timber surface to split. Floor Sanding Australia recommends maintaining some ventilation and humidity in unoccupied homes during extreme dry periods.

High-density hardwoods are slow to take up moisture, but with sustained exposure they will certainly absorb moisture and expand, potentially causing peaking, tenting, or buckling. Recovery is equally slow and it will take considerable time for moisture contents to return to normal levels. FSA Network floor sanders assess moisture damage in hardwood floors and recommend appropriate drying strategies.

Termites in timber floors require professional assessment and treatment, and ATFA provides technical information on this topic alongside lyctus borer management. Early detection and treatment is essential to prevent structural damage. FSA Network floor sanders can identify termite damage during floor assessment and recommend specialist treatment.

Sanding a cupped floor before moisture has fully equalised will create crowning -- where board centres are higher than edges -- because the swollen edges are sanded flat while still expanded. Once the moisture balances, the edges drop below the flattened centres creating permanent crowning. Floor Sanding Australia always waits for moisture stabilisation before sanding cupped floors.