Laminate floors cannot be applied to every surface due to a multitude of factors. Primarily, the flatness and stability of the surface are fundamental prerequisites for a successful laminate flooring installation. If the surface has significant slopes, cracks, or irregularities, this situation can make it difficult to properly secure the floorboards and ensure long-term durability.
Additionally, the moisture level of the surface to be applied with laminate flooring is also critical. High moisture levels can cause the floorboards to swell and deform, while low moisture levels can lead to drying and cracking. Therefore, one of the first steps in flooring is determining the suitability of the surface.
The Surface Must Be Solid
The solidity of the surface is a basic requirement for laminate flooring applications. This requirement can be explained by considering various factors. First, the flatness of the surface is important. If there are significant slopes, cracks, or irregularities on the surface, this can prevent the floorboards from being placed smoothly and consequently, make the installation process difficult.
Moreover, the solidity of the surface is also vital for the long-term durability of the laminate floorboards. If the surface is not solid, the floorboards can sag over time, cracks can form, or they can even break. This can negatively affect the quality and durability of the installation process.
The Surface Must Be Level
For laminate flooring installation, it's critical that the surface is level. Levelness is a condition for the smoothness of the surface. Any slope, crack, or irregularity on the surface can prevent the laminate floorboards from being placed correctly and, as a result, make the installation process difficult.
Levelness ensures that the floorboards are placed smoothly and increases their long-term durability. It also prevents the formation of gaps between the floorboards and improves the aesthetic appearance of the flooring. Therefore, having a level surface for laminate flooring application is a fundamental step and should be carefully considered. This enhances the quality of the installation process and strengthens its long-term performance.
The Surface Should Not Be Too Rough
For laminate application, it's important that the surface is not too rough. A rough surface can prevent the floorboards from being placed smoothly and make the installation process difficult. In addition, a rough surface can cause irregular gaps to form between the floorboards, thereby ruining the aesthetic appearance of the flooring.
Moreover, an excessively rough surface cannot form a smooth base under the floorboards. This can negatively affect the long-term durability of the installation. Therefore, the surface for laminate flooring application should be as smooth as possible. Appropriate measures should be taken to correct or smooth out the roughness of the surface when necessary. This ensures the successful completion of the installation process and helps achieve a satisfactory aesthetic and functional result for the laminate flooring.
The Moisture Level of the Surface Must Be Below 50%
For laminate flooring application, the moisture level of the surface must be below a certain level, which is under 50%. High moisture levels can cause the laminate floorboards to swell, deform, and even crack.
This situation can negatively affect the quality of the installation process and can adversely impact the long-term performance of the boards.
Therefore, it's important to check and adjust the moisture level of the surface before applying laminate flooring. This ensures the successful completion of the installation process and helps maintain the long-term solidity and appearance of the laminate flooring.