Lately, there has been a significant increase in the purchase and installation of laminate flooring, which has massively expanded the industry. Several styles of laminate flooring introduced by the industries give wood, stone, marble, and even tile-effect laminate flooring, giving a retro Victorian yet modern look.
In simple terms, laminate is a high-quality, reasonably priced alternative for adding hard flooring to your home or place of business, however, all flooring requires careful thought.
For many, the idea of laying laminate flooring brings to mind creaking, moulding, and bulging floors with a unique bumpy outlook, and rightly so. Although it is a very durable and low-maintenance option, one has to keep in mind the common mistakes when laying laminate flooring to avoid them.
So, if you are considering installing laminate flooring but are intimidated by the idea as well, look no further because Powerpillar’s blog will walk you through several common mistakes when laying laminate flooring.
Hence, by the end of this article, you will know what to avoid while laying the laminate flooring.
Typical mistakes and tips to avoid them
Here is a list of several common mistakes when laying the laminate flooring, which, if avoided, will give long-lasting results and add to the beautiful appearance and finishing of your house interior.
Failing to determine the right atmosphere for laminate flooring
Although laminate flooring is excellent for usage in many different parts of your house or workspace, it has one drawback: humidity. As much as you like uniformity, it is important to be aware that it cannot be installed in the entire house.
Laminate flooring is often installed in areas constantly exposed to high moisture levels due to excessive water usages, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. As a result, the flooring warps and bends, losing its polish due to discolouration, bulges, and breaks.
Neglecting the moisture content
A similar common mistake when laying laminate flooring is to leave the flooring without any protection or sealant. The chances of spills, mishaps, and accidents are always there, even the humidity of the weather can increase the moisture content of the subfloor.
Hence regardless of whether you install it in places with little moisture, it is crucial to seal your laminate flooring. Moreover, in the long term, it saves you from constantly replacing the flooring which can be very costly.
Poor subfloor prepping
Installing laminate over unprepared and uneven flooring can be challenging for several reasons. When installing over an inconsistent subfloor, there may be excessive movement, which could lead to gaping and even cracking. All subfloors need to be prepared in some way.
According to industry standards, the subfloor’s surface must be level within 3/16″ over a 10-foot radius. Use techniques such as grinding and sanding and a self-levelling agent to help ensure that your floor is level and uniform enough for appropriate installation.
Leaving an insufficient gap for edge extension
One term for laminate is “floating floor.” Since laminate flooring is intended to float, the interconnected pieces glide over the subfloor rather than separately. As a result, one can expect their flooring to move slightly as they walk on them.
Occasionally, the installer must be more careful and look into this fundamental principle. Hence it is crucial to make sure that around 10mm of space is left around the borders of the walls to avoid buckling and other damage.
Ignoring the acclimatisation period
Laminate flooring is made of natural wood fibre; therefore, it needs some time to spread and adapt to the environment of your home. Giving the material time required to acclimate to this environment is one of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make.
By allowing the wood to become acclimated to the humidity conditions in your home, one can prevent distortion and buckling.
As a general rule, the flooring planks should be left for 48–72 hours to acclimate after following the box’s instructions. This allows you to notice if there is any buckling or if visible gaps are appearing.
Tips to ensure the sustainability of the flooring
Now that you know the common mistakes, you may be concerned about its safety. Maintenance is essential after laying the laminate flooring for longevity.
Once the flooring is newly glued, several questions may arise in your mind, such as, how soon can you walk on laminate flooring after installation? Can you mop the floor as often as you would mop the regular tiles or flooring? Can you lay the carpet over laminate flooring? Are cleaning products safe for laminate flooring? Etc.
However, this blog has got you covered with all the answers to your queries.
How soon can you walk on laminate flooring after installation?
Letting the adhesive fully dry after installing laminate flooring before using it is crucial. Many issues arise as a result, such as the new flooring being lifted and buckled, causing extensive repairs. Thus, you should avoid walking on the floor for the next 24 hours.
Can you mop the floor as often as the regular tiles or flooring?
You should mop laminate floors every two months to keep them looking new. For laminate flooring, damp mops are delicate enough to use. Conventional mopping shouldn’t be done on laminate flooring since the water can harm the seams by causing swelling, floor bubbling, or even fading and stains.
Can you lay the carpet over laminate flooring?
While laminate has a shiny, smooth surface, laying the carpet over laminate is not advised because the carpet might shift, slip, and stretch over time.
Are cleaning products safe for laminate flooring?
Oil-based cleaning supplies can harm the flooring’ protective coating and produce stains and residue. Use laminate cleaner moderately and add it to a mop or microfiber cloth rather than the floor if you must. Moreover, wax or polish should never be applied on laminate floors since it may cause further damage.
Conclusion
Although laminate flooring is praised for its simplicity of installation, mistakes can nonetheless occur. To ensure the durability of your floors, laminate flooring must be installed and maintained properly. For optimal results, always adhere to the directions and, more importantly, avoid the common mistakes listed above.
