Residual moisture too high in the subfloor
Lay too early, and parquet cups while vinyl lifts. The measurement must happen before laying.
Check subfloor before flooring: moisture, cracks, levelness
The subfloor has cured — check now before parquet, tiles or another finish goes down. If residual moisture, levelness or cracking are off, it only shows on the finished floor, and then the damage sits with the covering. That is why the check belongs in writing.
The most frequent expensive defects in the subfloor before flooring
Unevenness beyond the permitted tolerance
Waves and ridges telegraph through thin coverings and cause hollow spots under parquet.
Cracks and hollow areas in the surface
Hollow-sounding areas often indicate a lack of bond. The covering above moves with it and can come loose. Have it checked by an expert before laying.
Contaminated or unsanded surface
Paint and mortar residues prevent the adhesive from bonding.
What you should document and check now in the subfloor before flooring
Photograph the entire area per room
One overview image per room. Tip: Hold a flashlight flat across the floor (raking light) to make waves visible.
Cracks and anomalies in detail
Photograph each crack with a folding rule or ruler for scale and record its position in the room.
Check edge connections and joints
Verify whether the edge strip still protrudes and the joints are open.
Request moisture measurement and heating record in writing
Get a dated record of the residual moisture (CM measurement). For a heated floor, the heating protocol must also be provided.
Check levelness with a long straightedge
Place a spirit level or straightedge in several places. Photograph any gaps underneath for documentation.
Sign off before laying
Upload your photos and records to systematically evaluate anomalies and document them securely before laying.