What Causes Floors to Cup — And When to Be Concerned
Cupping is a common flooring issue where the edges of a plank are slightly higher than the center. It can affect hardwood, vinyl, and laminate floors. While mild cupping isn’t always a sign of failure, it’s important to understand what causes it:
- Moisture Imbalance: The most common cause of cupping is moisture coming from below the floor, often due to crawl space humidity or a missing vapor barrier.
- Sunlight & Heat: Direct sun exposure can cause one side of the plank to expand more than the other, leading to visible distortion.
- Improper Installation: Tight baseboards, cabinets installed on top of floating floors, or a lack of expansion space can restrict movement and contribute to cupping over time.
If you’re seeing cupping or floor movement, it doesn’t always mean the floor needs to be replaced, but it should be evaluated. A certified inspection can identify the actual cause and help you decide what to do next.
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