Blistering / Surface Blisters (SPC Flooring)

Floor Detective® Claims and Conditions Guide

Summary

Blistering or surface blister formation in SPC flooring is a condition involving localized raised areas, domes, or bubble-like distortions visible beneath or within the finished surface of individual planks. These distortions originate within the internal plank structure rather than from substrate irregularities, foot traffic, or external surface impact. SPC flooring consists of multiple bonded layers that rely on uniform density, internal support, and consistent lamination integrity to maintain a flat surface profile. When localized internal irregularities, voids, density variations, trapped gases, or layer-bond inconsistencies exist within the plank structure, portions of the surface may deform outward and produce visible blistering beneath the wear layer. Visibility may increase under directional lighting, reflective viewing angles, or after environmental stabilization following installation. Proper evaluation requires differentiation between internal plank-related distortion and substrate-driven conditions such as telegraphing, vertical movement, or edge lift. See also Telegraphing, Core Void Resilient Plank, and LVT and SPC Floor Problems for broader context.

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