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Carpets, Lino & Flooring

LVT click system lifting at the short edge in install

Sophia Udubasceanu 18/12/2025 - 7.57 AM

Hi all Looking for some info. some new lvt flooriny i got is currently lifting at the short edge during install and the short edge breaks and cracks. any ideas why this is happening, it is herringbone and we only just started doing it! so it is not the subfloor that is the issue literally 7 out of 9 planks break the moment u fit in the next one. any ideas please? Thanks!

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6 Answers

Anonymous user

Likely causes: Weak/defective click-lock on the short edge Wrong angle or too much force during herringbone install Planks not acclimated and too cold/brittle Rows too tight leaving no movement If most planks are snapping, it’s probably a product defect — contact the supplier.
Answered15 December 2025
1

Memaar Construction

Rating: 5 out of 5
Harrow
Why it’s happening: • Likely defective or brittle LVT—7/9 breaking is not normal. • Could be improper acclimation (planks too cold/dry). • Herringbone stress—angled installation stresses short edges. • Too much force—hammering or forcing planks can crack them. What to do: 1. Stop installing—material may be faulty. 2. Test a few planks by gently bending the short edge. 3. Make sure planks are fully acclimated. 4. Install carefully—angle planks per instructions, use rubber mallet gently. 5. If planks snap easily, replace with a good batch.
Answered15 December 2025
1

bestlaminate

Rating: 5 out of 5
Dukinfield
LVT click system is very fragile thing. It is durable but installation without certain experience may become a nightmare. I’m guessing this is drop lock type?? You need to work out the method, instead of hammering/knocking try to use a roll designed for this flooring or try to lift up a bit one side and lock with another plank.
Answered15 December 2025
1

MC Martin Contractors Ltd.

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Shoreham By Sea
Answer is simple. The filter didn't done the proper job
Answered15 December 2025
0

Mike

Rating: 5 out of 5
Exeter
The main reasons this happens with click herringbone LVT: 1.Wrong fitting sequence. With click herringbone, the order is critical. Long edge must be fully locked. Herringbone requires a very precise engagement. 2. Subfloor flatness. Click herringbone needs the floor almost perfect.
Answered17 December 2025
0

Anonymous user

his is usually not a subfloor issue, especially if it’s happening immediately during install. Common causes with herringbone LVT: Wrong tapping direction – herringbone LVT must be engaged at the correct angle and sequence. Forcing the short end first will cause it to lift and snap. No expansion gap / tight start line – if the first rows are tight or slightly out, the stress transfers to the short joints and they fail. Manufacturing tolerance issue / weak locking system – some batches are notorious for fragile short-end locks. If 7 out of 9 are breaking, this is a big red flag. Boards not acclimatised – cold or very warm planks become brittle and will crack easily. Incorrect tapping block – standard laminate blocks can damage LVT locks. You need an LVT-specific tapping block or a cheat (off cut) and rubber mallet. Things to check immediately: Confirm you’re following the manufacturer’s herringbone install sequence (it’s different to straight lay) Check room temperature (usually 18–27°C) Inspect the broken joints, clean snap = lock failure, crushed = install method Try a dry-fit test away from the floor If it continues, I’d stop the install and contact the supplier, breaking at the short edge during normal fitting almost always points to a faulty locking profile or wrong install method, not workmanship.
Answered18 December 2025
0