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Common Water Issue in BC
Buckled or Cupping Hardwood Floors — Moisture Damage
Hardwood flooring that buckles, cups, or shows gaps between boards is absorbing moisture from below or above. Identifying the moisture source quickly can save the floor and prevent mould growth in the subfloor.
Possible Causes
- •Plumbing leak beneath the floor slab or within the subfloor
- •Moisture migration through concrete slab from groundwater or high humidity
- •Appliance leak (dishwasher, fridge ice maker, washing machine) seeping under flooring
- •Flooring installed too soon before concrete slab was fully cured
- •Flooding or water intrusion from adjacent room or exterior
Recommended Steps
- 1Check if buckling is concentrated in one area or spread throughout
- 2Look for nearby plumbing, appliances, or exterior walls as potential sources
- 3Test moisture content of affected and unaffected flooring with a moisture meter
- 4Document extent of damage with photos for insurance purposes
- 5Call professional leak detection with moisture mapping to trace the source
Need Professional Help?
Don't let a small leak become a big problem. Contact LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca — for expert diagnosis.