[Elko1967]

On our first contracted job, using The Ashby Ninja master hot water extraction system on a school classroom carpet, we found that approximately 12-24 hrs after the clean that the hardboard underneath had buckled and carpet became a series of hollow bumps! We had cleaned several carpets prior to this one in the same location without issue. How serious a problem should hot water application be to this scenario i.e thin carpet on hardboard and should it be avoided or as we feel have we just been unlucky with the fact that maybe it has not been layed properly. Situation currently being monitored by school as to wether it will lay flat after drying out but has been 4 day! Any comments would be appreciated.

[daysdeepclean]

If it's the carpet that's buckled it usually goes back to its original state once it's dried. I assume you used air movers and avoided over wetting. If it's the boards that have actually buckled (Worst case scenario) then I don't envy you!
Had the carpets been cleaned before and if so, did the same problem arise? It may be worth asking them.

Good luck and hopefully all will be well.

[Elko1967]

Thanks for reply Colin. We pre-sprayed but sure we didnt overwet and classroom next door was fine. The carpet been down for a couple of years but never been cleaned. They did say there was a problem with floor before carpeted but didnt elaborate but now very nervous about other hardboard floors under carpets elsewhere!

[John Kelly]

Hardboard is not a good underlayment for this very reason. 1/4/ply is much better. The hardboard has swelled due to the rise in humidity. You don't have to over wet for this to happen. It only takes a rise of 5% in humidity to make wood and hardboard swell. Problem is sometimes hardboard doesn't go back as it it is basically pulp mixed with glue. Best bet would be to get a dehumidifier in there as soon as possible. Make sure doors and windows are shut and hope for the best. If the worst happens then it was not really your fault. They have laid a carpet over an unsuitable underlayment so that is their liability.

[Elko1967]

Thanks John. I have just been and checked and the "bumps" are definately receeding but the floor is still raised but they are saying that they should be able to inject some glue throught the carpet to reseal them if necessary which I assume means they understand it was some sort of defect. I assume steam would have the same result so unless shampooing is an option I dont see how the carpet would ever be cleaned, there is plenty of other work but some similar type flooring so will have to pull up some carpet first to check it or hope it was a one off!

[John Kelly]

Bonnet cleaning would be your best option. Even then there may be some slight swelling but not as much as hwe.

[Buster Ingram]

I had this happen many years ago in an office I use to clean on a regular basis,

Panic set in the first time it happened but as time went on I got use to seeing this happen.

There is no need to worry it will go flat in a about 10 years ( only kidding)

Heat and ventilation is what’s needed  usually when hard board is used for levelling floors
It is saturated before it is laid so when it dries out it shrink tight  thus preventing noticeable bubbling
when moisture in the cleaning process is used.

The office I mentioned earlier went flat in a couple of day’s and each year I returned to clean it the bubbles returned with me, I was know as Mr Bubbles  and I don’t even have a Chem Dry franchise

[1 man band]

if you no a floor layer or carpet fitter ask them if they could pop along and staple the hardboard back down with there spot nailer / stapler,go straight through the carpet and it will do the job and if they hit it hard enough you wont see the staple in the carpet

[Elko1967]

Thanks for replies..situation hopefully not as bad as first thought though will still be nervous on next few jobs there!  We have started up with the "Ashby" Ninja system and accompanying extras..was suggested by school that maybe machine is "too" powerful but cant believe this to be true as we researched all data and specs on machines before purchase and found Ashby comparable to Prochem etc. Unless any body can tell me different??

[daysdeepclean]

Maybe turning the pumps psi down to introduce less solution and doing a few dry passes might be in order... At least then you're offering a solution to a (percieved)  problem with your machine!

I hope everything goes well for you....

[clinton]

Maybe try doing a light pre spray before the clean,then extract with the pump turned down to under 100.

Maybe  have a go at  the l m system and would reduce the chance of expanding

[John Kelly]

As I said you aren't at fault. As Dave said if hardboard is used then it has to be soaked and left to dry before laying. I doubt very much that was done. It is there fault for having an unsuitable underlayment. Just explain that to them don't let them put the blame on you. What do they know about carpet cleaning, zilch.

[Elko1967]

Thanks John and all. Will take all comments on board and no doubt seek more words of wisdom soon!