Hi guys,

I need your suggestions.

June 2019:
- Installed 4mm SPC vinyl flooring.
- Then I complained that there are too many air pocket in the floor. They suggested me to put a layer of self leveling cement.
- Actually I had asked them about my wavy floor, they told me no problem because they will put a layer of foam below the vinyl flooring and never mention about self leveling cement.
- Although it is their fault for not suggesting me the self leveling cement, I had to pay extra for floor disassembling + self leveling cement + re-installation.
- So I paid the extra, and they proceeded with the work.

Nov 2019:
- My floor starts to have bumps in some areas
- I complained, but never really follow up closely because I'm not in a rush (I haven't moved into the house yet)

June 2020:
- They finally came to fix the bumps. (More new bumps appeared since last time)
- Turned out, the self leveling cement actually cracked and detached from the original floor.
- What they did was remove the crack cement, and cover with stopping compound (a sort of a white cement).

Nov 2020:
- Bumps started to reappear. I suspect that the self leveling cement or the stopping compound start to crack again.

I will be moving into the house soon.
Now I don't trust the self leveling cement layer anymore because it will crack again anytime. I am planning to replace them with tiles, and then install the vinyl flooring on top of the tiles.
I asked the installer to help disassemble and reinstall the floor. He doesn't have to repair his self leveling cement anymore. I will bear the cost to install the tiles.

But he actually asks me to pay for the disassembly and re-installation. Is this reasonable when it is his own fault? I don't even ask him to repair anymore. I have wasted my money on the useless self leveling cement (and the floor re-installation cost). I try to discuss with him, but he is not responding to me anymore.

Could anyone suggest me on how to proceed please?

You can look at the cement crack below:






This post has been edited by yop da great: Nov 24 2020, 08:45 AM

There is levelling issue with your cement flooring. Redo the entire cement flooring b4 proceeding.

What do you mean? The self leveling cement layer's purpose is to solve the uneven base cement floor. The problem is this self leveling cement cracking and not bonding to the base cement floor.

Anyway, I will redo my floor with tiles. But Installer refused to disassemble and reinstall without paying him. I don't think I should be paying him again since it is his fault

Even if your redo with tiles, you might get issues with tiles popping out later as some area would have more cement and other less due to levelling of the tiles.

As for the current installer, I wouldnt want him anymore even is foc.

share the installer shop name and address to create awareness of their workmanship and professionalism

Before you continue to invest money, I recommend to look for the root cause first, otherwise the spiral won't stop. After I have seen the pictures, the following could be causing you problems (in my opinion):

1. get someone to measure the humidity of your cement flooring (the main, not the self leveling layer). Based on the large dots, I suspect humidity pressuring through the floor

2. If 1. is ok, check the brand of the self leveling cement. Usually straight cracks are a sign for cheap quality. Those dinner plate size areas make me suspecting humidity.

3. If 1. and 2. are ok, was the installation according to protocol? Most contractors are not only lazy, but they do not read/understand the instructions. Several other things could have happened here, each on their own or all together: too much water, not enough resting time, surface was not cleaned properly. Regarding the latter, ALWAYS vacuum the floor before applying the self leveling cement.

1. Not sure where to find people to measure the humidity. The bright colored spots are there when the self levelling cement is drying and stayed there



2. The brand is installer's own brand. It could be that he imported the cement himself

But I have given up with this self levelling cement. I will remove around 2 inches of the current base floor, and rebuild with tiles (different contractor). It is just that I hope to disassemble the current vinyl flooring so that I can reuse them (especially the skirting). Not sure if there are other installers that are willing to do this

u build this house on your own?

How come no tiles by default?

If total cost below RM15k, please file complaint via Consumer Tribunal
https://ttpm.kpdnhep.gov.my/portal/home

This post has been edited by dayalan86: Nov 24 2020, 01:36 PM

Yes, own built house.

There is no official transaction between me and the installer. Only whatsapp conversation and bank transfer. Do you think this is acceptable as evidence?

and there is work done right? I think you can call consumer tribunal and check?

Filing cost is RM 5 only and don't require lawyer; for small dispute its worth a try.