Blistering floor finishes, dark spots, bubbling, cupping, delamination, mold, odor, swollen joints, efflorescence, repairs, remediation and litigation—these are the terms that create nightmares for parties that are involved in a moisture related floor covering matter. The problem is so large it has been estimated to cost our industry upwards of $1 billion per year and rising.
Failures can present themselves almost immediately upon installation or can rear their ugly heads several years after the flooring has been installed and the building occupied. There is little doubt moisture control related issues are one of the most important design, construction and installation considerations for flooring covering applications.