Parquet blowing under new carpet and underlay

Frailpigeon

Had new carpet and underlay laid in December over concrete floor and parquet. This was to replace old existing carpet and underlay which had caused no problems. Loose parquet wood blocks were removed and a screed laid in gaps and all round edges of room. In approx April the parquet started lifting under the carpet, first in one small area, then gradually in other areas. Carpet suppliers said it was nothing to do with their workmanship, their damp meter showed damp and that we must contact our insurance company, which we did.

After weeks of tests by several people sent by the insurance co which showed no leaks, they have come to the conclusion that the problem has been caused by the carpet fitters nailing down a door bar which has punctured the membrane between the concrete and parquet and also the screed they laid around the parquet and in the gaps where parquet was missing. We therefore must have the parquet removed and new membrane and screed laid before carpet and underlay is replaced. We need to have an expert to do this who can give us some sort of guarantee - where do we find such a person? Is there a recognised organisation that can recommend members? Any advice would be appreciated, this is a nightmare!

phill99

I think I would err on the side of the carpet fitters. By your admission, some of the parquet had come loose prior to the new carpet being laid. This could easily be a continuation of a problem that already existed prior to the new carpet being laid.

Insurers are known for trying to not have to admit liability in order not to pay out.

Parquet flooring is typically 18 -22mm in thickness. The nails used on carpet gripper rods are not this deep, so how could a membrane be punctured which in itself is typically 50mm below the surface of the oversite screed.

You would need a Chartered Building Surveyor (RICS) or Chartered Builder (MCIOB) to investigate.

squeekswhenwalking

Could the gap around the edge have been an expansion gap, which as it has been filled in causing the floor to push up as it tries to expand?

societys_child

Have you checked the answers on your other thread?:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5243002

Frailpigeon

Thank you, society's child. I am not very experienced with using forums and couldn't find my previous thread so I started a new one. Sorry! We are stillI trying to find someone reputable who can help us sort out this problem.

Furts

Unfortunately you have got yourself in a right pickle. You have specified, or overseen, inappropriate repairs to your floor, you may have specified an inappropriate carpet and underlay, then you have involved insurers and experts claiming this was all a claim for dampness. These experts all have to be paid, insurance does not cover inadequate day to day repairs on a home and now you are saying you have created a nightmare.

I would be surprised if your problem was anything to do with a punctured membrane. The repairs were inappropriate and this is where, in the first instance, your problem lies.

However, as experts are involved they have made a decision, and will, in all likelihood, have written their proposals for repairs and be in a position to guide you on who to ask to undertake these repairs.

As you have asked a Forum in lieu of this, or in addition to this, I would suggest:
1) Many would not have involved insurers and would have undertaken a DIY repair.
2) Others would have sought a reputable, trade based flooring contractor and sought guidance on a typically 20mm epoxy floor screed.
3) Others would have sought a builder, or contractor, for a latex levelling screed, with appropriate membrane above, then laid a floating floor of 18-22mm T&G P5 chipboard glued and with an edge expansion gap. This would probably be cheaper than the previous item and have the benefit of being a dry construction.

Any guarantees that you receive will be almost worthless, and what can a builder guarantee if he is laying a new chipboard floor?

I suspect that you want guarantees because insurers are involved. If so, go back to the insurers for their help - that is what you are paying a premium towards.