When should I call a flooring inspector?

• You see problems: gaps, tenting/buckling, peaking, cupping/curling, squeaks/clicks, cracked tiles, loose edges, stains, or finish issues.

• You’re filing a warranty or insurance claim and need an independent, standards-based report.

• You’re getting conflicting answers from the retailer/installer and want a neutral third party.

• Before replacement or litigation—to prevent a costly second (or third) failure.

• Before installation—to verify moisture, flatness, and site conditions so your new floor starts right.

What does a flooring inspector actually do?

• Document the symptoms: measure gaps, height offsets (lippage), curling/peaking, deflection, hollow spots, loose tiles, and seam quality.

• Test the site: non-invasive moisture screening (Tramex), concrete moisture per ASTM (coordinate F2170/F1869), pH, temperature/RH, and surface temps (thermal scan).

• Check the substrate: flatness vs. standards (1/8" in 6’ / 3/16" in 10’), transitions, movement allowances, and perimeter constraints.

• Correlate to standards: TCNA/ANSI for tile & stone, NWFA for wood, CRI for carpet, and manufacturer installation guides for rigid-core (SPC/LVP) and laminate.

• Deliverables: a clear, photo-rich report that identifies root cause, cites standards, and lists corrective actions that actually solve the problem.

Who is qualified to perform a flooring inspection?

• Certified, independent inspector with training specific to wood, rigid-core/laminate, tile/stone, and carpet—and who works to ANSI/ASTM/TCNA/NWFA/CRI standards.

• Look for credentials such as FCITS-trained inspectors (recognized across the WFCA community) and specialty credentials (e.g., NWFA for wood).

• Important: ask for a sample report—it should include measurements, photos, standards citations, and unbiased conclusions. No sales.

 

Why choose Desert Floor Inspections?

• Specialists in rigid-core (SPC/LVP), laminate, wood, tile/stone, and carpet—Las Vegas & surrounding areas.

• Instrumentation on every job: Tramex non-invasive moisture mapping, laser/straightedge flatness checks, FLIR thermal imaging, hygrometers, and precision gauges.

• Actionable answers: We separate site, installation, and manufacturing factors so you know what failed, why, and how to fix it—without the noise.

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