Page 4 - 2018-06-CFR Volume 117 - You Can't Be Serious - June 2018

they lift no matter which way they’re turned. So,
when we use the process of elimination to deduce the
cause of the complaint what conclusion do you have
to reach? The conclusion is that nothing but the in-
herent planar instability of the carpet tile itself is the
cause and reason for it lifting on two edges. The
facts which are irrefutable prove the case. You are
guilty regardless of how much you argue.
Let’s look at another case. This one involves a plank
flooring installation in which random planks are lifting.
The manufacturer’s position is that the material is not
properly installed, that environmental conditions are
causing the problem and that the space is not condi-
tioned properly.

LIFTED VINYL PLANK FLOORING June 2018

When the physical inspection took place the condition
exhibited and seen with wood patterned vinyl plank
flooring was that it was lifting in various areas in each
of the units it was installed in. The first thought was,
naturally, that the cause was installation. At a meet-
ing of all parties the supplier of the vinyl plank flooring
said that the material could not be used in direct sun-
light and that the temperature of the space had to be
between 65 and 85 degrees F as well as the concrete
substrate. The fact that the use of the product was
so restrictive and the parameters in which they were
stating that it could perform in were so limited would
send up a red flag that this product should not be
used – not only here but anywhere. Second, getting
the substrate to meet the same temperature require-
ments of the ambient space is beyond ridiculous. An-
other stupid comment that deserves a slap in the
back of the head. This also brings up the legal issue
of the product not being merchantable for service or
fit for the intended purpose of use as a flooring mate-
rial.

4 Commercial Flooring Report