Laminate

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Laminate

NAF Laminate

Laminate Flooring: A Smart, Stylish Choice

When laminate flooring was first introduced to the market, homeowners loved the fact that they could get a durable floor that looked like wood, but didn’t have the hardwood price tag.

In those early days, style was sacrificed for affordability.  Today, advanced printing technologies have enabled manufacturers to create a wide variety of laminate visuals that look so close to their original source, they can even fool flooring experts. 

Construction

Laminate flooring has four layers: a wear layer, a design layer, an inner core layer and a backing layer.     

  1. Wear layer – clear top layer that protects the floor from stains and fading
  2. Design layer – a photographic image of wood, stone, brick or ceramic
  3. Inner core – HDF (High Density Fiberboard) to provide stability, durability, moisture resistance and sound absorption
  4. Backing – creates a moisture barrier that protects the floor from warping

Texture

Embossing in register is a manufacturing technique used to create a grain consistent with the photographic image on the laminate board. This embossing intensifies the depth, texture and natural look of the floor – it’s all there: the subtle color variations, the distinctive grain, the authentic texture.

Width

Laminate flooring comes in a variety of sizes, depending on the look you choose. Most wood look planks are 4″ or wider. Keep in mind that the width of individual boards can have a dramatic influence on the look of a floor. Wide widths can complement a large room, but can sometimes overwhelm a small area. Select the look that harmonizes with the style and architecture of your home.

Abrasion Rating (AC)

Every laminate has a wear rating between AC1 and AC5 – determined by it’s ability to pass a series of tests that include an abrasion test, burn resistance, impact resistance, stain resistance and swelling under moist conditions.  The higher the AC rating, the more durable the product.  Our AC3 rated products are great value for housing projects but we strongly recommend purchasing AC4 or AC5 rated laminates.

Thickness

One of the options to consider when choosing laminate flooring for your home is board thickness. You’ll find there are several standard thicknesses, measured in millimeters – 7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm. The same manufacturing excellence that goes into a thicker board also applies to thinner boards.

There advantages to a thicker board – a 12 mm board’s thick inner core keeps the laminate stable and flat. The extra density of a thicker board resists impact more and helps to dampen sound – you won’t hear that hollow echo or sharp clicking noise sometimes associated with thinner laminate floors.  However, a good underlay will go a long way to improving the sound transfer of the laminate

Maintenance Guide

Radiant Heat:

  • Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications if your flooring is able to be installed over heated floors. Some hardwoods and laminates are able to be installed, whereas other hardwoods and laminates are not.
  • If your hardwood/laminate floor is suitable to be laid over a subfloor with a radiant heating system, do not raise or lower the temperature by more than 5°F per day and never exceed a surface temperature of 80°F. While floor-heating temperatures do not harm the wood, it does affect its moisture content.

Preventative Maintenance

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly since built-up grit can damage the surface of the wood. The vacuum head must be a brush or felt type. Be certain the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar head.
  • Remove spills promptly using a clean, dry Microfiber cloth and clean residue with a professional hard surface cleaner.
  • Never clean your floor with a sopping wet-mop; the excess water will cause damage to your floor. Never clean your floor with a steam mop; the extreme heat and moisture will cause damage to your floor.
  • Use protective mats at all exterior entrances to reduce debris that can be tracked in from outside. Do not use rubber or foam backed mats as they may discolor the finish.
  • Never use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax or other household cleaners that contain citrus oils, lemon oil, silicon or ammonia to clean your floor. Mixtures of water and vinegar are also NOT recommended, since vinegar has an oxidizing effect on urethane over time. We recommend using Bona® Swedish Formula® Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
  • Keep pets’ nails trimmed, paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil and stains.
  • Place protective felt pads under furniture legs and feet to reduce scratches and dents. Replace pads as needed.
  • Lift items or use a dolly for moving furniture or appliances – do not slide or drag heavy items, this will cause scratching.
  • Avoid wearing high-heeled or spiked shoes that can mark the surface. These types of heels can indent or damage the floor.

Moisture and Hardwood Floors:
Hardwood is a natural product which reacts to changes in relative humidity. Although Laminate is man-made it reacts similar to hardwood. The more constant the moisture content is maintained, the less likely there will be any problems with the floor. Maintain a humidity level as recommended by the manufacturer, usually between 40-60%.

In winter time

When homes are heated and the air is dry, wood flooring looses some of its moisture content and contracts as a result. When this happens, gaps and checking (cracks) can appear between the planks. This is normal and the homeowner should be prepared for it to occur. Once indoor heating is turned off in the spring and humidity levels rise again, most gaps will close up.

To avoid these separations, try to control and monitor air humidity levels during the dry season by installing a humidifier in the furnace and/or bringing a movable humidifier into the room that has good air circulation. As long as the humidity level does not fall lower than recommended, minimal gaps will appear between the planks.

In summer time

During warm and humid summers when indoor humidity can rise up to 90%, wood absorbs moisture from the air and expands as a result. Even just a few days of exposure to high humidity can cause wood flooring to cup, warp or squeak. Cupping can also happen when spilled water is absorbed by the wood. Once cupping has occurred, it takes a while for the wood to restore its internal moisture content and flatten out.
When extensive moisture or humidity causes the wood to expand, adjoining boards start pressing against each other.

To avoid cupping, try to control and monitor air humidity levels by installing a de-humidifier – which may need to be emptied several times a day depending on humidity levels.

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT HOME OWNERS INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER AND/OR DEHUMIDIFIER as well as a humidity tester to ensure proper maintenance of their flooring.