Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings due to its optimal price-performance ratio. However, during operation or during installation, troubles can arise. No need to get upset and buy new material right away. Novate.ru will tell you how to independently eliminate common problems with laminate flooring and avoid them in the future.
1. Clearances
If the laying was done incorrectly, gaps form between the boards. As a result, the coating looks sloppy and will last much less than the prescribed period. This often happens due to storage of material in unsuitable conditions or rough handling of locks and their breakage. Another reason is the difference in height between the boards due to poor-quality floor preparation. To avoid problems, comply with all storage requirements prior to installing laminate flooring. If this happens after the floor has been laid, replace the individual panels or completely remove them, level the base and then re-lay the boards.
2. "Waves"
Bloated areas on laminate flooring are a common problem. It occurs due to improper laying of the material. If the manufacturer's specified distance between the floor and the walls is not observed, excess stress will press on the laminate. As a result, this leads to the formation of irregularities at the joints - the very "waves". To fix the defect, remove the entire skirting board and check the distance between panels and walls. If the gap is too small, file the edges of the laminate. The problem must be solved as soon as possible, otherwise the locks on the boards will break and the entire coating will have to be changed. Remember that skirting boards must not be nailed to the laminate, as this also deforms the material.
3. Mold
Seeing mold on the floor or walls? Remove the laminate and find its source immediately. Next, treat the entire damaged area with an antifungal disinfectant to keep mold from growing. This is most often due to condensation or an increased level of humidity in the room. Paint over any mold marks and then re-lay the laminate flooring.
4. Chips
Most of the problems are caused by inaccurate laminate installation. Because of this, chips appear at the corners. Despite the strength of the material, you need to handle it with care and use tools with rubber pads during installation. Take your time and proceed with caution, otherwise rush can get bad results and quickly regret it. Be careful during operation too. Do not wash laminate flooring with harsh household chemicals and carefully rearrange furniture.
5. Squeak
A creaking floor is one of the most unpleasant and annoying sounds. Visually, the coating looks great, but it causes a lot of inconvenience with annoying accompaniment. Squeaking occurs both after installation and after several months, or even years. Thinking that the sound will disappear by itself is a mistake, because it clearly appeared for a reason. There may be several reasons, ranging from debris that got into the locks during installation, an uneven base of the floor and ending with incorrect indents from the walls. Check the coverage thoroughly and eliminate possible root causes. If it does not help, you will have to lay a new coating.
6. Pattern mismatch
This is not about minor imperfections in the design. Obvious differences in panel patterns, shades and textures are a good reason to contact the store and demand a refund or exchange of goods. As a last resort, defective panels can be placed under the furniture, but we recommend using the first option.
7. Deformation
If the laminate is warped, there are several reasons for this: uneven floor or excess moisture in the room. In the first case, you need to think about the consequences even at the stage of laying the material. Small irregularities will help to eliminate a coniferous backing, and for serious defects, use plywood sheets. In the second situation, try to arrange wet cleaning less often and only with a well-wrung out cloth. If liquid is spilled on the floor, remove the dirt immediately.
8. Scratches
Some materials can only envy the durability of the laminate, but even scratches appear on it. This happens not because of the poor quality of the coating, but as a result of improper use. Firstly, claws and heels spoil the laminate. Try not to walk on the surface with stiletto heels, and cut the claws of your pets. Secondly, consider how many people will be using the room and select the appropriate class of material. Thirdly, move heavy objects only with pads, otherwise scratches are guaranteed. The good news is that defects are easily masked with special pencils or wax to match the laminate.
9. Layering
The upper film of the laminate may peel off at the joints of the boards. Usually, liquid or chemicals get into these places, which provoke delamination. The problem can be solved by replacing the panel and adhering to the rules for caring for the coating in the future.
Trust the laying of the material to trusted specialists so as not to face annoying defects. Take note 7 mistakes when caring for your laminate that will turn the flooring into a shabby floor.