Covering Gaps In Laminate Flooring

Flooring specialists say that it s a good idea to leave a small gap around the edges of a new laminate floor to allow for natural expansion.

Covering gaps in laminate flooring.

A dip in the floor will cause a soft spongy section in the laminate floor. If laminate flooring gaps have appeared chances are excellent that you can push the gap closed by hand without resorting to a tool. If the boards came apart then the will go back together. An expansion gap is essential when it comes to laminate flooring installation.

Most dips can be taken care of with a trowel and vinyl floor patch. The best option for covering gaps in laminate flooring is by using custom pieces. The spaces give the laminate boards room to expand. However the gaps that develop between the boards over time are not desirable.

Expert installers say that the larger the space the larger the expansion gap should be as the floor needs more space to expand and contract with temperature. The recommended expansion gap is a minimum of inch. Avoid self leveling floor compounds especially on older homes says jay our flooring pro. Gaps around the perimeter of a newly installed laminate floor are inevitable and there s a good reason.

Go to the place where you bought your flooring or any home improvement store that stocks flooring. The gap should be a minimum of 5 16 of an inch 8 mm. How to seal laminate flooring. Without them the floorboards can press.

Hen laying laminate flooring it is important to remember to leave a gap around the edge of the room whether it be walls fireplaces doorways or even radiator piping. Buy a fast drying variety if you want to start laying the floor the same day. Old floors on the other hand are likely to have gaps both along the lengths of the boards as well as at the ends due to the years and years of expansion and. Although significant gaps in relatively new wood flooring are relatively uncommon along the lengths of the board you may find that newer floors develop gaps at the ends of the boards.

What size expansion gap is required for laminate flooring. As soon as you ve glued and closed the board to board gap wipe off any glue that squeezed out onto the surface using a damp rag. Expansion gaps at the walls and fixtures and then fill the gaps at flooring ends with 100 percent silicone caulk.