Semi-solid oak flooring, cracks appearing in surface

antiskeptic

I've a friend who's had pre-finished semi-solid oak flooring installed by a professional company. Sections are about 5" wide x 3-4 ft long. Within a few months, cracks started appearing in the surface of the flooring. They're weren't huge splits or anything but were a bit more than hairline - they're made more noticable by the finish lifting up at the cracks. As time progressed the cracking became quite extensive.

The floor was removed and a new floor laid - using the same kind of flooring. Within a few months this flooring was cracking too.

The floor was removed and a new floor laid - using an alternative manufacturers flooring. It has just started showing signs of cracking.

My friend assures me that sufficient expansion jointing has be left - he's seen it himself before the skirting boards were put back on.

I can't find anything readily on the web about it - so anyone here got an idea?

Thanks in advance.

galwaydude18

Is there underfloor heating under the oak floor?

antiskeptic

galwaydude18 wrote: »

Is there underfloor heating under the oak floor?

I pretty sure not ( it's a 70's build) but I'll ask

babsybaby01

I'd say there is damp under the floor and it has taken this long to split the timber...And you can be sure it will get worse as time goes on

antiskeptic

no underfloor heating. Concrete floors. So the potential of damp alright. I'd have thought the installer would check (before fitting flooring for the 3rd time)


Added:

Just talked to my mate now. The house in indeed 70's and hasn't had any issue with damp floors (to the extent of being noticed: smell, condensation, etc). The issue of cracking has been extensive: in the living room, hall and downstairs study where the same flooring has been laid.

Is there a possibility of previously unnoticed damp being sufficient to crack flooring?