Why Do Laminate Floors Float

The floating method allows the flooring to respond to changes in a room s relative humidity by expanding and contracting without buckling.

Why do laminate floors float.

Buckling diagram from kronotex. Build direct notes that the most common reason laminate floorboards peak is due to a lack of expansion space between the moldings and the floor. They float above the subsurface to allow for expansion and contraction in reaction to a room s humidity level. Buckling occurs when laminate flooring does not have enough space to contract and expand with temperature changes.

Floating floors are an ideal option if you don t want to glue laminate planks to the subfloor. Therefore it is crucial to take precautions to prevent buckling. For this reason it is important never to wet mop a laminate floor. Thankfully you do not have to undertake major renovation projects like removing the entire floor to remedy the situation.

Because of their unique construction floating floor planks are designed to connect with adjoining. If your laminate floor is moving and shifting you can fix it by closing any gaps between the floorboards. When a laminate floor covering is squeaking on the other hand it could be because the subfloor isn t level there s no underpadding or the boards have expanded and then shrunk again. Ensure that the subfloor is even during installation and there is no moisture retention in the floor area.

Laminate floors need to be swept or vacuumed often to keep them clean. Laminate floor peaking on the other side of the spectrum is peaking which is caused when boards are pushed up against each other. Excessive water on the surface of the floor can also lead to buckling or warping. Laminate flooring planks are generally joined together along the edges and end with a modified tongue and groove system often known as click lock or fold and lock.

Dirt is an enemy to laminate since it scratches and dulls the finish of the floor. Laminate flooring is affected by water in a number of ways. Keep in mind that most laminate floors are floating floors. Since it is a floating floor the planks tend to contract when it is cool and expand when it is warm.

High moisture content in the air can sometimes lead to buckling or warping.