Broken Joints

Buckling

Broken tongue-groove

Side gaps disengagement

Fastener in laminate plank

Fastener locking floor in place

Damage

Gap

Fastener locking floor in place

Broken Tongue-Groove

Gaps

Underlayment Cushion

Deflection - Low spot

Broken locking profile

Buckling

Fastener through molding

Gaps

Tapping Damage

Broken Joints (Laminate)

Floor Detective® Claims and Conditions Guide

Summary

Broken joints in laminate flooring occur when the locking edges that hold planks together crack, crush, bend, or come apart. When the lock is damaged, the planks no longer share weight properly, which can lead to gaps, lifted corners, vertical movement, or clicking sounds when walked on. Once a joint is weakened, nearby joints may begin to show similar movement under normal use. Proper evaluation focuses on where the damage appears, how the floor is supported, whether expansion space was provided, and whether moisture or movement stress contributed to

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