You followed the install instructions. You selected the right flooring system. But months later, it fails—warping, bubbling, or delaminating—and the manufacturer says the warranty won’t cover it.
What happened?
In many cases, the answer is simple: improper or incomplete slab moisture testing.
If you don’t follow the correct testing protocols, your warranty is at risk—before the first plank is even laid.
The Fine Print You Can’t Ignore
Flooring manufacturers don’t just recommend testing—they require it. And not just any test, but specific methods like:
- ASTM F2170 (RH testing)
- ASTM F1869 (Calcium Chloride MVER testing)
They also set strict limits on acceptable moisture levels—often as low as:
- 75% RH for certain adhesives
- 3 lbs MVER for sensitive materials
If your results don’t meet these standards—or if you fail to document testing properly—your warranty is invalid.
For a trusted and fully compliant testing process, see IFTI’s Concrete Moisture Testing Services.
Common Mistakes That Trigger Warranty Denial
❌ No test performed at all
“I’ve been doing this for years” doesn’t hold up in a claim.
❌ Using surface meters only
Handheld devices are not ASTM-compliant and can’t measure internal slab conditions.
❌ Testing too early or in uncontrolled environments
Manufacturers expect testing under in-service conditions—with HVAC running and humidity stabilized.
❌ Failing to document
Even if you tested correctly, missing or vague documentation can void coverage.
The True Cost of Skipping Testing
Improper testing doesn’t just put your warranty at risk—it threatens your entire project timeline and budget:
- Costly flooring replacement
- Delays from investigations or litigation
- Reputation damage with clients or GCs
In other words, testing is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy.
What Proper Testing Looks Like
A bulletproof testing process includes:
- RH probes at correct depth and spacing
- Multiple test locations (per 1,000 sq ft minimum)
- Recorded temperature and humidity
- Time-stamped, project-labeled data logs
- Clear interpretation from a trained professional
With IFTI, you also get full compliance documentation, so if something goes wrong—you’re covered.
Final Thought
Flooring failures are expensive. Warranty denials are worse. But both are avoidable. By testing the right way, at the right time, with the right tools—you’re not just protecting a floor. You’re protecting the project, the client, and your credibility.