Laminate flooring has increased dramatically in recent years due to its adaptability, durability, and affordability. If maintained, laminate flooring is a beautiful and affordable way to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. It also adds a lot of value. Yet, many people need help with simple errors during installation, which may harm the floors’ appearance, functionality, and longevity. In this article, we’ll look at common mistakes and misconceptions people make when installing laminate floors and recommendations for preventing them.
Mistakes To Avoid While Installing Laminate Flooring:
#1 – Not Preparing Your Subfloor:
The most significant error people make when installing laminate flooring is improper subfloor preparation. It is crucial that your subfloor has been levelled, cleaned, and smoothed before you begin the process. The plank could warp or buckle due to flaws and irregularities in the subfloor.
To prevent subfloor dips and a subfloor with a subpar finish, clear the subfloor of all debris, dirt, and adhesive remnants.
#2 – Failing to Acclimate The Plan:
Acclimating the planks is one of the most common errors people make before installing laminate flooring. Adjusting your laminate flooring to its surroundings before you begin the installation process is essential. If this is not followed, it may result in your material warping, buckling, or experiencing other problems. Before starting the installation process, allow the planks to acclimate in the room for at least 48 to 72 hours. This will give the planks time to adapt to the humidity and temperature of the space.
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# 3 – Choosing the Wrong Underlayment:
The performance of the laminate floors is affected by the selection of the perfect underlayment. Hence, the underlayment is a crucial step in installing the laminate flooring. It is a cushion, a moisture barrier, and a sound-absorbing material. Thus, it is essential to choose an underlayment that is of high quality and meets the needs of the specific space.
Hence, choose an appropriate underlayment for the subfloor, the environment, and the type of laminate flooring you install. This is crucial for areas prone to moisture, like basements and bathrooms.
#4 – Not Leaving Any Gap For Expansion:
Leaving room for expansion is yet another standard error. With variations in temperature, the environment, and humidity, laminate flooring expands and contracts. The plank could warp or buckle if there is not enough room for expansion.
A 1/4-inch expansion gap has to be left around the room’s perimeter and any fixed objects, such as columns or cabinets.
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#5 – Failing To Clean Up The Glue Residue:
Failing to clean up the glue residue is another common mistake during installation. The appearance and lifespan of the floor can be affected by any glue residue left on the laminate floor’s surface.
Ensure you immediately use a damp cloth to clean up any glue residue after installation. Failure to do so could result in a permanent stain on the laminate flooring that could be difficult or impossible to remove.
#6 – Not Using Spacers:
Some homeowners prefer to install laminate flooring to hardwoods because of its cost-effectiveness and imitation of exotic wood and patterns. Yet, not using spacers is another common mistake that gives an unfinished look to your laminate floors. Spacers should create an expansion gap between the planks, walls, fixed objects, or other floorings.
The expansion gap should be maintained throughout the room by using spacers. If spacers are unused, the plank may expand and contract, buckling, and warping.
Conclusion:
Installing laminate flooring can be a therapeutic DIY project for many homeowners. Yet, it is important to remember the essential requirements and avoid the common mistakes that can be made while taking on this project. For more details about laminate flooring, you can call Rainbow Carpets at 0116 221 4473 or drop your requirement on info@leicesterrainbowcarpets.co.uk!