I am hoping that someone could inform me why my Amtico flooring in a December 2022 new-build, the flooring had to be completely re-laid in May of 2023, has started to make a “popping/cracking/crunching” sound along the junction with a patio’s threshold, and that there are also numerous discreet spots where if normal walking pressure is applied, I hear a “pop” or a “crack” sound, often emanating from up to 2-3 metres away, typically from the kitchen units’ location. The sounds started in June 2024, and were quite regular, almost a daily occurrence, but they have now become more intermittent, which may be due to the ambient temperature (?). The floor has no major gaps, is not lifting up and does not feel “bouncy”, the lounge and kitchen areas are combined and the Amtico was laid over the same period of a few days in these areas. The sounds along the patio’s threshold seem to be emanating from the patio frame, or maybe the frame just transmits the sound. In the kitchen area, the locations seem to be more discreet, but the sounds seemingly come from the kitchen cabinets, a few metres away. I do have videos with sound. The details of the construction: Ground Floor to consist of min. 70mm concrete strength class RC/25/30 reinforced with polypropylene fibres, laid over min. 80mm EPS insulation sheet on 1200 gauge DPM on Forterra New Jetfloor (Grey Series) precast concrete flooring system. Provide perimeter insulation strips to manufacturers details. DPM to be fully lapped and bonded to DPC. Many thanks in advance or any help.
Sounds like the screed as blown. Could be various reasons... Laitence wasn't removed before top screed was laid prior to the Amtico Subfloor was still high in moisture and liquid damp proof was used I investigated one before Christmas that was blown and the reason being was the company had gone in and no grinding laitance was performed plus the moisture readings were still reading high than allowed. In the process of replacing but customers are having issues with the original flooring firm as in they're not acknowledging blame
Hi Rugmunching, thanks very much for the reply, very helpful. I have no knowledge of what was done prior to re-laying the Amtico in May 23. The original Amtico (new build, Completed December 22) had to be taken up in May 23, due to too many gaps between sections (there was no lifting of the floor). I moved out for a week to let them get on and do the work, no idea what was done to the underlying materials, the preparation (or how the concrete floor looked like), or any acclimatisation of the flooring strips. I am perplexed as to how applying pressure to a discreet area, results in a sound coming from 2-3 metres away. It is also very hard to predict when the sounds will happen, hence all the videos. I am happy to WhatsApp some videos if you're amenable to this? Regards, Mark
