Installing Laminate Flooring
When installing laminate flooring, it should not be too complicated for you as there is an instruction manual that you can use. It is very important to consider its use because although all manuals coming from different laminate flooring manufacturing companies may have the same basic procedures, there may be little differences in between them. The differences are also crucial for the most effective installation of the laminate floorings. So even if you think you already have the know-how and skills, it is still deemed necessary that you trust the instruction manual of your newly-purchased laminate flooring.
Another reason why you should know and read all contents of the instruction manual before installing laminate flooring is to keep and protect the product’s warranty from the manufacturer. This is because any mistake found by the manufacturer on the installation process during inspection could actually void the warranty after attempt of claiming this. Properly following each step of the installation process will avoid you the hassles of this scenario and in turn could give what you want whenever damages are incurred, provided they are within the terms and conditions by the manufacturer.
After reading and learning of all the essentials containing the laminate flooring instruction manual, you can proceed to your installation job but be sure to remember of the following tips:
• First ensure proper acclimatization of the laminate floorings into the room where they are going to be installed. A minimum of 48 and maximum of 72 hours are needed in order to do this process. Failure to follow this will cause the floorings to get damaged or buckled.
• If the laminate floorings are to be installed over slab concrete floors, there must be vapor barrier placed first in between the laminate and the floor. This avoids moisture coming from the earth beneath the concrete floor to seep into the laminate floorings which is the best way to ruin them.
• If to be installed over the carpet, it should be a commercial carpet or should have the hard twist in order for the laminate floorings to adhere properly. Any other kind of carpet disqualifies from installing laminate flooring.
• If there are soft spots or squeaks found at the sub-floor, make sure to repair them. Installing laminate flooring over them will not fix them.
• The floors where laminate floorings are to be installed must be all level and flat. Any dips found must be corrected first by filling them with self-leveling materials and leave them to dry for 72 hours.
• There must be at least 1/2inch gap left between the walls or other obstacles and the laminate flooring to avoid the latter to buckle.
• It is necessary to measure the room before installing the laminate floorings as there may be a need to cut some pieces in order to fit all dimension.
• It is fatal to push groove end of the floor using a hammer.
• When installing laminate flooring towards the wall, always make sure to start with its groove side.
Remembering these basic tips will make sure you will have the job done smoothly and properly. But don’t forget, as mentioned above, that even if you mastered these general tips of installing laminate flooring, an instruction manual of the specific product you acquired is the best tool you could have for the easiest and hassle-free installation job.