Over the last couple of years, laminate flooring has greatly increased in overall popularity. The combined use of exotic woods along with unique patterns make laminate flooring one of the most cost-effective solutions for homeowners when it comes to advantages over the hardwood flooring.
When it comes to the installation of laminate flooring, it's much easier and straightforward as well, allowing you to perform quick makeovers in the shortest amount of time. Furthermore, the overall looks of laminate flooring will capture the eyes of your guests as well.
Things To Avoid When Planning To Install Laminate Flooring
1. Planning To Use Laminate Flooring In The Wrong Areas
The first thing that you should try to remember about laminate flooring is that it's not great when it comes to moisture. In order to avoid some of the general mistakes when considering to install laminate flooring is to always choose your installation locations wisely. Places like kitchen, bathrooms and the likes will always be problematic when it comes to moisture – because if you use laminate flooring in these areas, it would start to soak up water.
Even though there are products out there in the current market which says that they are water-resistant or you can try using sealants for such areas – but the best idea would be to skip such areas entirely and use other types of flooring apart from laminate. It might seem that laminate is the best low-cost option in the current market, but it can cost you a lot in the long-run because of repairs.
2. Not Using Sealants
There will be times when you’d end up using laminate flooring in your bathroom and kitchen areas. As it has been already discussed, the main substrate that is used in laminate flooring is very much susceptible to moisture. Even after knowing such a disadvantage, you continue to use laminate flooring, then you must also use sealants to reduce the effect of moisture as sealants will act as a barrier between the top surface of the floor and the moisture in the air.
Even though there are many ways to prevent all kinds of water penetration, sealants are the most effective one of them all. You can also use waterproof glue when trying to install laminate flooring with the help of laminate flooring sale Auckland NZ services. Apart from that, you also have the option to use silicone caulk as a material to prevent moisture or water penetration.
It should be noted that in laminate flooring, the substrate is mainly a board that has been compressed and once water or moisture starts entering the system, it can lead to trouble or potentially swelling up as well. Even the tiniest spill of water on the floor and keeping the water on the floor surface unattended can lead to troubles.
3. Not Letting The Materials Acclimate
When the installation of laminate flooring will take place, the best idea is to bring all the materials into the area where it is to be installed. This is because the materials would be able to absorb the moisture and temperature of that specific area and then either expand or contract. When you'll be hiring professionals to do this kind of job, they will follow the manufacturer's rules and recommendations – thereby waiting at least 48 – 72 hours before finally installing.
If such a task is not done, then it can easily lead to leaving gaps between the floor panels or can even cause bucking as well. Therefore, it should be ensured that materials are acclimated properly before finally installing them.
