Laminate flooring installation is simple in comparison to setting other flooring systems, but needs handwork, know-how, and patience. The flooring installation process can become a DIY task, but for great and flawless installation there are certain things you will need to remember. It will help you avoid huge installation mistakes.
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Mistakes to avoid during laminate flooring installation
Improper sealing
Laminate flooring can be used in living rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, and kitchen. However, it is recommended to take extra care when installing them in wet spaces. Even though laminate flooring is water-resistant, it is crucial to prevent moisture or water from getting beneath the floor. The wet areas need 100% mild-dew resistant silicone sealing to prevent buckling from moisture.
Not caulking properly
Caulking around stonework, pipes, and door jambs need to be done appropriately. You will need to undercut and trim the door jambs properly to avoid the flooring system from failure. It will even help to give the area a polished and neat look.
Ignoring the expansion gap needs based on room size
In small rooms [10’x10’] a ¼ inch of expansion gap around the floor perimeter is sufficient. However, in large rooms [40+’] there will be a need for ½ inch clearance around the floor perimeter. This allows averting warping and buckling.
Nailing of the molding through laminates
The right amount of clearance around the floor perimeter allows for comfortable expand and contract. If you nail the moldings to the laminate, you will block the freedom of floor expansion. Soon, the flooring will bend and collapse.
Tapping laminate
The tongue & groove technology click with ease. There is no need to use tapping unless instructed. Hammering the planks with one another will damage the locking system. Improper floor locking will soon buckle and bend.
Pinching floor under kitchen cabinets
In summer and winter, the floors expand and shrink. Concealing the laminates beneath cabinets will not allow the flooring to expand freely and this can create a huge bump on the floor.
Accidently installing defective or wrong laminate planks
Before the installation of new laminate flooring, it is essential to click the laminate planks thoroughly. Ensure it has the right color, pattern, and style. There are no noticeable defects. A single damaged or wrong laminate gets installed, replacing it can turn out to be a challenge. No manufacturer will pay for the labor cost of replacing the plank with a visible defect. Even a single defective plank in the box means, don’t start installing but first contact the material provider.
Ignored thermal acclimatization
Humidity and temperature [minimal 65% F] at the job site needs proper maintenance 2 days before & after the installation. The laminate boxes need to be left in the room for acclimatization. If you ignore this and bring cold laminates into the warm room for installation, there is a risk of a huge bump developing in the center of the room even if you installed it correctly and the expansion gap at the perimeter was also accurate.
