Frequently Asked Questions about Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a very popular choice for homes in British Columbia and Alberta due to its affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Explore these Laminate FAQs for even more valuable info!
What is laminate flooring?
A great alternative to genuine wood with added water resistance, laminate flooring is composed of pressed composite wood or high-density fiberboard with a photographic image layer underneath a rigid resin layer. Emulating the look and feel of real hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile, laminate is even created in the longest, widest plank varieties and stone formats for realistic finished floors. The dense construction offers strength and durability, while reinforced aluminum oxide finishes provide scratch and stain resistance.
What is the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl?
Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring will help you capture striking wood and stone visuals for less and with enhanced moisture resistance. Laminate planks are rigid and dense and offer tremendous durability thanks to the multi-layered construction with an aluminum-oxide top wear layer. Luxury vinyl provides rigid texture while offering a softer give, greater flexibility, and dimensional stability. Luxury vinyl offers more completely waterproof products, whereas laminate can bring supreme durability more readily.
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
Most laminate products offer water resistance but are not entirely waterproof. Ensure you purchase warranted waterproof laminate for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or mudrooms. Although laminate offers greater moisture resistance than hardwood, you still need to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent damage, dry any standing water as promptly as you can, and avoid using wet mops to clean.
Does laminate flooring require underlayment?
Not all laminate flooring products come with attached underlayment, and padding is not required for installation. If you want to use laminate flooring in rooms that experience moisture, padding will prevent moisture that comes through the subfloor from causing the floor to warp or the growth of mildew. If your laminate flooring does not feature attached padding, we recommend purchasing quality underlayment to enhance performance and the life of the floor.
Can laminate flooring go everywhere in the home?
Yes! Homeowners love laminate flooring since these heavy, sturdy planks can handle foot traffic and moisture while resisting dents and scratches from an active household. Thanks to premium durability, laminate is a solid choice for high-traffic rooms like hallways, playrooms, and family rooms. With the right laminate flooring products suitable for moisture conditions, you can have wood or stone beauty in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
What are the best laminate care and maintenance steps?
Laminate flooring is incredibly low maintenance. Daily or frequent sweeping will remove tracked-in dust and debris. Use a cloth and water to remove any spots, and a pH-neutral cleaner if needed. You need to verify that your laminate floors have the appropriate level of moisture resistance before you wet mop them. We also highly recommend using rugs to minimize the impact of household activity.
How do I clean spills on laminate flooring?
Perfect for homes with kids and pets where frequent spills and accidents can occur, you can simply wipe up most spills on laminates when they happen and use a pH-neutral cleaner to remove dried spills. You do not need steam cleanings, a vacuum, brushes, steel wool, or ammonia cleaners: Use a soft nylon brush, a manufacturer-approved cleaner, and water to treat spots and stains.
How long does laminate flooring last?
Under normal household conditions, your laminate flooring should last from 15 years up to 25 years with proper maintenance. The residential warranties of laminate flooring can vary widely among products, and longer warranties will cost more to purchase. As you explore different laminate products, use your household activity level to determine the thickness, water resistance, and AC rating of the best-suited options for your rooms and ensure longer-lasting performance.
What are the keys to using laminate flooring in BC and Alberta homes?
Successful long-term performance from your new laminate flooring will depend on:
- Choosing the Right Type of Laminate: Opt for water-resistant or waterproof products, especially for high-moisture areas. Also, match the laminate warranties of your new laminate flooring to your household conditions and activity level.
- Meticulous Laminate Installation: Proper subfloor preparation, acclimation, and adherence to expansion gap requirements are non-negotiable. Laminate flooring offers DIY capability, but make sure to follow guidelines strictly.
Regular Laminate Maintenance: Promptly clean spills and maintain consistent indoor humidity levels where possible.
Is laminate flooring a good fit for BC and Alberta climates?
The primary challenge for laminate flooring in our regions is the significant fluctuations in humidity and temperature:
- British Columbia: Coastal BC (like Vancouver) experiences higher humidity and more rainfall. Traditional laminate, with its wood-fiber core, is susceptible to moisture damage. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the planks to swell, warp, or delaminate.
- Alberta: Alberta's climate is often drier, especially in winter, but it can also experience seasonal humidity changes. While dry conditions might seem less risky for moisture, sudden increases in humidity can still cause issues.
For areas prone to moisture like kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and basements, we recommend water-resistant or waterproof laminate options. These products have core materials and sealed edges that provide better protection against spills and our Lower Mainland climate.
Do laminate floors need to acclimate before installation?
Absolutely. Due to the temperature and humidity swings, properly acclimating the laminate planks to the room's environment for at least 48-72 hours before installation is essential. This allows the material to expand or contract to its equilibrium state, minimizing issues like gapping or buckling after installation. Also, proper expansion gaps must be left around the perimeter of the room and around any fixed objects. This allows the laminate floor to expand and contract without buckling or pushing against walls
Do I need to add underlayment to my laminate flooring?
Yes! We recommend using a high-quality underlayment with your new laminate installation for:
- Moisture Protection: Particularly over concrete subfloors that are common in basements in our provinces, an underlayment that features a vapor barrier will prevent moisture from wicking up.
- Sound Absorption: Laminate can sometimes produce a hollow sound when walked on, so underlayment helps to reduce this noise and enhance the realism of the finished floor.
Insulation: A good R-value underlayment can add a layer of insulation, which is beneficial in colder climates like Alberta winters.
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