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Wednesday, February 22, 2012 www.timberfloors.co.za « Flooring « Laminate flooring « Q & A Login

LAMINATE FLOORING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
 
WHY BUY A WELL KNOWN EUROPEAN BRAND?
Although it is difficult to tell what is a good laminate floor and what is not by just looking at two different samples, it is important to note that not all laminate flooring sold in South Africa today is of good quality. Most European laminate flooring manufacturers belong to a body called the 'European Producers of Laminate Flooring' or EPLF. The EPLF  is an independent body (very similar to our own SABS - but then only for laminate flooring) that tests and grades its members products. Therefore if you select a product from a European manufacturer who is a member of the EPLF you can rest assured that the product specifications written on the box are indeed the correct specifications.
There are products in the market today that show similar grading and guarantee periods, however these products may indeed not be the correct grading specified on the box as the grading is not done independently or to the correct standards.
WHAT QUALITY ASPECTS OF A LAMINATE FLOOR SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?
The surface that is walked on is graded to handle a certain amount of traffic - make sure that the surface grading is reliable by opting for a product that is graded by the EPLF.
It is a common misconception that the thickness of a laminate is important to the quality of the product - it has in fact got very little relevance to the quality of the product.
The click mechanism that connects the planks should be of good quality - this is the most patented design element of laminate flooring. Most good quality floors have a patented interlocking lock mechanism on all four sides of the floor plank. Tap-in joints on the short end of the plank have a tendency to pull apart after some time - opt for a product with an interlocking short end joint.
If you are thinking of purchasing a product with a butt joint instead of a v-groove it is important to know that most products on the market today will show a varying degree of joint-peaking. This is due to the quality and density of the base board (HDF). The joints, when the planks are connected, will therefore show tolerances that may not be acceptable to you aesthetically. Only a few of the top brands have been able to minimize this. A product with a v-groove mostly eliminates this visual appearance.
The surface texture of the laminate floor plays a great role in the realism of the product. Most of the better quality products have textures that follow the underlying pattern of the grain. Knots and grains can therefore be felt.
The print repetition on lesser quality products will be much higher than that of higher quality products.
Some of the more expensive laminate flooring will also have different colour hues between planks to increase its realism.
Generally, the more expensive a laminate floor becomes, the more it will look like real wood. Most of the entry level laminate flooring products will never be mistaken for a real wooden floor. The same can not be said for some of the more expensive laminate floors.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE FLOOR I'M LOOKING AT IS A BIG BRAND FLOOR?
Do your homework on the product you intend to buy - research the product on the internet. The big brands will be widely covered, you will also be able to visit the manufacturers website and determine its origin from there. A list of all the EPLF affiliated members can be found here.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO INSTALL LAMINATE FLOORING?
Not at all. Ninety percent of all problems experienced with floor installations are because people do not read the included instructions. 'When all fails, read the instructions'. If you are not installing the product yourself, make sure that you read the instructions to be sure that the person installing it does it correctly! Every pack of laminate flooring sold today has a leaflet included in the box with installation instructions. The other ten percent of flooring installations are not successful because the existing sub-floor is not level to start out with. Make sure that before you start laying your new floor that the existing floor is level. If you wish your floor to be installed professionally you can also make use of our installation service.

IS UNDER FLOOR HEATING RECOMMENDED WITH LAMINATE FLOORING?
Although it is pleasant in winter time to walk barefoot on heated laminate flooring you may find that not enough heat radiates through the wood to heat the room sufficiently. You may therefore have to add additional heating elements like room heaters or fire places to create a comfortable room temperature. Remember that wood is a natural insulator and therefore does not allow heat to radiate through it as well as it might through ceramic tiles.

WHAT FLOOR SURFACE IS REQUIRED FOR LAMINATE FLOORING
Laminate flooring can be installed on most level and dry surfaces like ceramic tiles and level concrete floors. Laminate flooring can however not be installed on top of carpets or on top of parquet flooring. The better or leveler your floor is to start off with, the better your final floor finish will be. 

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT PLACING HEAVY OBJECTS ON MY FLOOR?
Laminate flooring offers better indentation and scratch resistance than most other types of flooring particularly as related to heavy loads. However care and common sense should be exercised when moving heavy objects placed upon the flooring. 

HOW DO I CLEAN LAMINATE FLOORING
Laminate flooring is beautiful, low maintenance, long-lasting flooring. There are several simple steps you can take to keep your laminate flooring clean and to ensure that you get many years of service from it. Simply dust, mop or vacuum with a soft brush or wood floor accessory to keep your laminate floor clean from dust, dirt or grit.

  • a damp cloth or mop can be used without damage to the laminate flooring panels, but do not use excessive water. Dry the floor thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

  • Blot up spills or water from wet feet or footwear immediately with a clean, dry cloth, sponge, or paper towel. Do not allow excess liquid to remain on the surface of your laminate floor.

  • Do not use soap-based  detergents, abrasive cleaners, or combined 'clean and shine' products on your laminate floor.

  • Do not use steel wool or other scouring pads that may scratch laminate panels.

  • Do not use wax or polish on your laminate flooring.

  • Do not steam clean or use chemicals that may damage the laminate flooring surface.

For stubborn spots or stains on laminate flooring use acetone or nail polish remover on stubborn substances such as tar, asphalt, paint or oil. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth. 

HOW DO I CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN LAMINATE FLOORING?
While laminate floors are highly resistant to stains and abrasions, they are not indestructible. In order to maximize the durability and beauty of your laminate flooring, we recommend the following practices as part of your floor's normal care and maintenance.

  • Place a doormat outside the exterior entrance to collect excess moisture, sand, grit and other potentially damaging substances from being tracked onto your laminate floor.

  • Use only colorfast and non-scratch carpeting or pads on your laminate surface.

  • Avoid sharp or pointed objects with concentrated weight such as high heels on your laminate flooring.

  • Use protective felt pads under furniture legs or wide castors under appliance levelers.

  • Do not slide furniture or appliances across your laminate floor. If using a wheeled dolly to move furniture or appliances, place a clean sheet of smooth plywood or other protective layer over your laminate surface.

  • Do not treat or seal your laminate floor panels after they are installed.

  • Never sand, lacquer or refinish your laminate flooring surface.