Get Laminate Flooring Around Lewes DE

Laminate Flooring in Your Home 

Laminate flooring used to be a poor choice in comparison to hardwood or tiled flooring, but today with the wealth of options, thicknesses and applications, it simply cannot be beat in cost and performance comparisons. Although there are a lot of laminates that are said to be easy to install, because they are click and lock, the truth is if you look at these DIY projects there ultimately is spaces, gaps and missed laid laminate that affect its aesthetics and long term functioning. A professional installer will eliminate the need to replace your new flooring through poor installation problems.

Laminate Flooring Choices

Laminate now comes in so many choices that it can be overwhelming for consumers. Laminate flooring is an engineered floor made to look like another type of flooring and consists of four layers. A backing layer, core layer, photographic layer and wear layer all contribute to a laminate flooring makeup. If you install laminate flooring, be sure to get quality advice from a professional.

Laminate flooring now mimics the looks of multiple types of other flooring including wood, tile, ceramics, porcelain, natural stone and many more. With color options that run the entire rainbow you can be assured to get a product to match your exact décor needs.

Quality Ratings For Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring comes in a number of quality differences that provide a wide variance in durability. The first quality that most consumers look at is the thickness of the flooring, as laminate is produced in 7, 8, 10 and 12 millimeters thickness. Yet its thickness does not always equate to durability. Although the thicker laminates do help prevent bending and warping and a better dent resistance as well as helping to reduce sound.

The larger quality rating that any commercial or residential client should consider above all others is the Abrasion Class (AC) rating of the laminate. These are listed on every laminate as AC1 to AC5 for five different quality ratings. AC1 is a light traffic laminate meant for bedrooms and closets while AC5 is a heavy commercial grade meant for high traffic areas such as department stores. AC3 is a heavy traffic residential or moderate commercial use rating. In other words, shop for appropriate quality, not thickness.

Laminate Flooring Installation

Most major brands of laminate flooring market themselves as the easiest flooring to install as a do it yourself-er; which is true. Yet this does not mean that all laminate applications are without issue. There are still a number of dos and don’ts in connection with a laminate install in your home. If you are unsure about installing vinyl flooring, professional installation is the smart choice, since it is quick and inexpensive.

Laminate flooring are a floating system. Planks interlock and join together as opposed to being fastened or glued to the sub-floor. The great benefit to using floating floors is that they don’t require any glue or adhesive and can be installed over most existing flooring. To begin installation, cut off the tongue using a utility knife or saw and place it against shims along the wall. Shims are used to maintain a space between the floor and the wall for expansion. Even tough most vinyl planks do not expand or contract with humidity and temperature changes, the house and walls do move and the floor needs space. If no expansion gap is present, the floor will lift up in areas causing a trampoline effect. Worst case it can also damage the locking systems of the planks. Next hold the next plank at a slight angle placing the tongue in the groove of the prior plank and push down to click it into place. Use a taping block and a mallet to ensure the planks are together tightly. Continue until you complete the first row, cutting the last piece with a jig saw or table saw to fit properly. Be sure to offset the planks so they are staggered by at least six inches. Continue the installation until the room is finished.

Cleaning Laminate Flooring

1. Use a vacuum with a had surface feature, broom and dust mop frequently in between cleanings to remove lose dirt, sand, and dust. This dirt can ware down a finish over time when walked over. Doing this frequently will help keep your floor looking like new longer. Always clean up spills immediately with a clean cloth.
2. Use a damp mop only. Micro fiber mops are great for this because you can ring out the water in the sink. Use a cleaner specifically made for laminate only. Read and follow manufacturer's directions. I have been told that spraying the cleaner onto the mop instead of the floor is a good idea. Spraying cleaner onto the floor can cause puddles to form in micro bevels and force liquid down between planks. Also by spraying cleaner on the mop no drops or puddle can form on the surface. The idea is you want to use enough cleaner to do the job and also dry quickly.
3. Turn on ceiling fans in the room when you are damp moping. Any kind of fan will help with the drying time.