We had BR111 Brazilian Hickory installed 3+ years ago and have had a notable problem of the floor buckling (as high as an inch) in the middle of the two rooms every year starting in the spring. The local supplier has had two inspectors come out and their reports have indicated that there is some form of moisture problem which they keep saying relates to moisture under the product and BR 111 insist that the product is not at fault. THe floor was installed by an extremely experienced installer per the specifications of 8ml plastic nailed down (the floors are over crawl space that meets all moisture barrier requirements). THe installer has come out and further trimmed the edges, directly nailed some boards but the problem persists. In the winter the buckling recedes and basically the boards return to a faltter position. the problem is that despite the nailing, the hardwood pulls out of the nails so we repeat the experience. In talking to the installer we have concluded that the problem is caused by humidity IN THE HOUSE since this occurs as we open doors and windows in the spring and summer. The supplier has done all they can and collectively we think the mositure causes expansion which creates pressure and the only relief is buckling. We feel that the moisture barrier may indeed be restricting breathing of the product and trapping moisture. BR111 refuses to say anything but that their product is not at fault. In reveiwing the specs this product is not recommended in tropical areas with high humidity however we live in LEXINGTON, KY which is anything but tropical so we would not have thought it to be a problem. We are at wits end and extremely frustrated that BR111 has offered no solution to the problem which we basically just want to get fixed. Anyone with insights or others experience would be appreciated.

Dan Miesle

Unfortunate that you are having trouble but I think you answered you own question in the post. Its the humid spring and summer air thats making your floor move. So you will have to monitor the r/h and keep it in a range that will keep your floor from expanding. You will have to decide which is the lesser of the two evils here opening the windows and doors letting the humid air in the house or keeping your floor flat. If it comes and goes seasonally than thats what you have seasonal movement due to changes in the r/h.

Have you checked for expansion under the door casings? See if you can get a metal dental pick under there and turn it down so the hook goes toward the subfloor and then push in and out to detect expansion. It can be difficult to do if theres no space for the pick.

Good Point.... I would think it possible that the floor may be "locked in" at a location not visible when the base is pulled. Or if it's feasable to allow for more expansion, that may solve or limit the buckle.

It's an old inspector trick. I actually had to file down my dental picks cus they were so fat they wouldn't slide under door casings easily. Those are the hardest areas./ You can also pull the trim on the casings to get a better look see. But as an inspector your typically not allowed to do that. Some can actually demo part of the floor, which is truly the only way to perform a hardwood inspection. Heck the broker type hack-a-billy carpet cleaner inspectors they send out have never installed any wood at all.

Dude, take a paper-clip and make the perfect gap checker.

If quarter round is not caulked against the floor, I can check the expansion space.