Getting a hard surface floor installed in the workplace or home is a top priority for many customers. For any contractor or installer, doing a good job is important, and so is learning all the steps for proper installation.
One of the most important steps in flooring installation is calculating the proper expansion space. If installers fail to leave enough expansion space, the flooring may not perform correctly over time.
Improper expansion space can lead to buckling, rippling, gaps, and other flooring problems. These issues can create expensive repairs and leave customers dissatisfied with the installation.
What is Expansion Space?
Expansion space is the gap between the flooring material and the wall. Flooring materials expand and contract as moisture levels and humidity change. These natural movements occur throughout the life of the floor.
Installers must leave a small expansion space around the perimeter of the room. This gap gives the flooring room to move without creating stress on the material. Proper expansion space helps reduce the risk of buckling, rippling, gaps, and other flooring problems. Most manufacturers recommend anywhere between ¼ inch and 3/8 inch of space around the perimeter.
Without expansion space, moisture can cause the flooring material to swell, buckle, or ripple. Because these types of floors do not rely on glue to hold them in place, installers must leave extra space around the perimeter to allow the flooring to expand and contract as needed.
After installation, trim and molding cover the expansion space so it remains hidden from view. Even though the gap is concealed, it still allows the flooring material to move naturally with changes in moisture and humidity.
Testing the Perimeter of a Room
So how can a flooring inspector test the expansion around the perimeter of a room on any hard surface floor without removing the shoe molding? The best way is to measure across sets of 10 boards and then extrapolate. It goes without saying that when installers are putting down a hard surface floor, they need to take the time to figure out the expansion space and learn how to test it without removing the shoe molding to keep the customers happy.
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