Any expert opinions out there? I have about 2000 sq ft of stranded bamboo floor by USFloors. Installed in late 2009 over slab. We live in Florida. I noticed hairline cracks beginning to appear on the surface about a year ago. I contacted the retailer who filed a claim with the manufacturer. The manufacturer sent an inspector. Here is a quote from the inspector's report: "There are thirty one planks that have hair line splits in the veneer. The splits range from 1 to 3 inches. Planks have 1 to 8 splits per plank. Some splits can be seen from a standing position while others can only be viewed at certain angles. The splits visible from standing position have soil buildup when viewing through 8X microscope. The soil releases with a damp cloth and the split then can only be seen from certain angles. " Indoor temp was 67 and RH was 43%. Moisture reading 172 to 181. The conclusion is "The splits in the veneer are soiled and became visible after soiling and not visible when cleaned. Not manufacturing related, but maintenance related. 31 planks is less than 1% of flooring." The manufacturer denied the claim indicating "The inspector observed planks with hairline cracks, In the affected areas, elevated moisture levels were detected." Huh? So I have a couple of questions:

1. The planks came perfectly smooth and nearly all remain that way, except for 31 with cracks. The inspector and the manufacturer acknowledge there are hair line cracks but dismiss the cracks as they are not visible when carefully cleaned. Is it acceptable for stranded bamboo with Endura finish to develop hairline cracks? Should I accept the implied statement that the cracks are okay just do a better job at cleaning dust out of them?

2. Since when is a moisture reading of 172-181 with 67 degrees and 43% Rh considered excessive?

3. I plan on writing a rebuttal letter questioning some of the facts and the conclusion. I am wondering if I should spring for an independent consultant to examine the floor before I rebut the claim reports.

Advice would be much appreciated!

Thats a screwy report! I am confused by the moisture readings as well.
Here's an article to read up on.
http://hardwoodfloorsmag.com/articles/a ... 3&zoneid=2

Got to be a mis copy or mis print on those report MC measurements,

It might be 17.2%-18.1% ????


Core swelling and the face is not as much? Stretching the face.

You would think swelling would close the gaps.

Florida should be an ideal location for installing bamboo. Someone didn't do their home work when installing it. What adhesive and or trowel on vapor retarder was used? Moisture testing slab?

What type of moisture meter was used here? Moisture readings of 172 -181 are most likey from a Delmhorst Total Check scanner which gives moisture readings on a scale of 0-300. These numbers do not provide a real moisture content but rather a relative moisture content between dry and wet. The truth is however that there are no moisture meters that seem to work reliably on strand bamboo so I'd just discount that piece of information.

jgb

Cracking and swelling don't really go together . IF the boards shrink, then you can get hair line cracks. IF a floor swells a lot , the tension created can cause splitting but not usually hair line cracks. And the swelling will be accompanied with cupping or crowning that would be very noticeable.

I had the same problem with my strand bamboo floor, installed in the middle of the winter in the northeast (dry), after proper acclimation, etc. Floor started cupping slightly and hairline cracks appeared. Inspector came and took measurements, they were all within specs. The claim was accepted and I got credit for a new floor of a different species. I'm afraid bamboo is just not a good product for floors... and that you got ripped-off by manufacturer and the inspector who seems to be on their payroll.