It is a big job to install flooring.It is a good idea to know and understand common problems that may occur, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional.You can avoid most problems if you know what to look for and how to properly handle it.
Step 1: You should be up to the challenge.
It is important to install new floors in your home.Proper tools and adequate knowledge are needed to be successful.Understand the time, energy, and commitment it takes to start a project.If you are going to hire a professional, make sure they are licensed and experienced.Check their references.
Step 2: The sub-floor has to be checked.
Sub-floors are usually made of concrete or cement.The new floor will be compromised and eventually buckle if it is placed on a weak or even sub-floor.To see how flat the floor is, use a level.To see how close you can get to the bubble, lay a four to six foot level on the sub-floor.The floor may be even if the bubble is floating to one end.Measure gaps by using the level.For a new floor installation, any depressions that measure less than 1/8" are okay.If you find larger gaps, you may need to use self-leveling mortar.If there are areas that peak higher than 1/8", you should measure them.To create an even surface, these areas need to be lowered.The wood and concrete floors need to be sanded down.All of the areas should be marked with a felt-tipped marker.Keep in mind that a room is almost never perfectly square.To make sure you don't cut too much off of a tile, you need to take constant measurements throughout the project.
Step 3: Quality material is the choice.
Cheap flooring is more likely to be faulty right away and over time.It can develop permanent stains through usage.Ask for their opinion on the best brands when working with a professional carpenter.If you are on your own, you can ask an experienced home center employee, call a contractor, or check online for reviews on products.Purchase more laminate than you think you'll need.If the measurements are not accurate, this will be useful.Make sure you buy products that are free of harmful chemicals.
Step 4: It's a good idea to install the proper underlayment.
Underlayment is a thin layer of cement board, wood, or foam.It is important to the project because it protects the floor from water which can come from sub-floors.The laminate will absorb and expand once it's introduced to humidity.It is important to have proper underlayment in order to prevent the laminate from absorbing water.insulates noise, maintains the temperature in your home, and creates a smooth surface with underlayment.The recommended material for flooring is plywood.Your floors will be exposed to different types of plywood after installation.If you live in a humid climate, marine plywood is recommended.Inquire with the professional about the best type for you.It is easy to install plywood.It is secured in place with screws along the edges of the large sheets that are placed down to cover the floor.
Step 5: The temperature of the material.
When flooring is left outside or in a cold environment, it is fully contracted.Part of the floor will be installed cold if you start installing the flooring right away.If the laminate is installed while it is still cold, it will slowly come to room temperature and change in size.If a small section is installed cold, it will expand and put pressure on the rest of the floor.Humps and cracks in the floor can ruin the project.Before installing your flooring, warm it up overnight.
Step 6: Make sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Most modern laminate flooring doesn't require you to put it in place.They use a system of locks that click together.You can break the edges of the plank if you hammer it together.
Step 7: You should inspect each piece.
Look at the edges and planks of the laminate to make sure they are the right pattern and don't have any defects.It is difficult to replace just one piece of installed laminate.After the piece has been installed, manufacturers won't cover it.
Step 8: Allow room for more expansion.
There is no way to prevent the flooring from expanding.To accommodate this unavoidable problem, it is important to leave a small amount of space around the edges of the room.The floors may warp after installation if you don't leave expansion clearance.It's a good idea to leave a bit of space along the edges of the room.To be safe, check with a professional to figure out what the best amount of space to leave is for the room type and climate.
Step 9: There may be gaps between pieces.
The grooves in the flooring allow the pieces to lock together.It helps to prevent gaps.Over time, pieces that don't get locked together will drift apart.Dark lines are actually open expanses.A rubber mallet can be used to correct these spaces.As soon as you notice the problem, put the pieces back together.It will be hard to fit the spaces back together if gaps are left unattended.If you don't have a rubber mallet, you can use a tool that is durable enough to move the laminate, but not scratch or harm it.