While floating floors are a fine way for homeowners and business owners to get a new look without a lot of money, there are a few common problems with the installation when not done properly.
What Is a Floating Floor?
Floating floors are those that don’t need to be nailed or glued to the subfloor. Instead, it is secured at the edges of the room, at the molding. Floating floors or loose lay floors have been around for more than two decades, and today, laminate is among the most popular types of floating floor, as well as engineered hardwoods, cork, and some kinds of vinyl.
Floating floors are a great way to solve certain flooring issues. They can cover surfaces where glue will not adhere well. They also work well with radiant heat systems. In some cases, installers use floating floors to cover existing asbestos tile floors without disturbing the material underneath.
Many owners also choose floating floors to avoid the expense of tearing out an existing floor. Instead of demolition, they can install the new flooring directly over the old surface. This approach can save both time and money.
Most Common Problems with Floating Floor Installation
There are some common issues with this type of flooring, such as inadequate floor prep or failing to provide an expansion zone around the perimeter. However, the most common problems that installers and customers find are that the locking mechanisms fail.
Each piece of flooring is designed to lock into the piece next to itself, known as a “click lock” system. When it locks into neighboring pieces tightly, there’s no need to fasten it or put adhesive under it; it floats. However, if not properly locked in, the flooring pieces won’t fully engage with each other and can cause damage to the floor planks. Expansion due to moisture can get in between planks, or edges can chip with use.
Even though floating flooring can be the best option for a homeowner or business owner, proper installation is essential, especially when it comes to the locking mechanisms.
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