Top Questions You Might Have About Laminate Flooring

Whether you are moving into a new home or have just undertaken a renovation project, picking the right flooring for your home can be a daunting decision. This is a process that will fuse your personal preferences against cautious thinking about practicality. To get you started, below are some of the most asked questions about a popular type of flooring known as laminate flooring. There should be something here in the answers that can guide you if you are actually opting for this particular flooring option.

Can laminate be installed over radiant heat elements?

Yes, you can. As long as the radiant system is embedded under your wood subfloor or into the concrete slab and the subfloor’s surface temperature is less than 86 degrees, there should not be any problems at all. However, it is not recommendable to install laminate over floating heat systems on the surface of the subfloor.

Are there any ratings for this flooring product?

You can tell how your product is rated by looking out for its Abrasion Class (AC) rating. It is used to indicate how wear or abrasion resistant the surface of your laminate product is. If the AC rating is high, the more wear resistant the product will be. You should go for laminates that have a rating of AC3 or higher for best results.

Is it suitable to use laminate in a bathroom?

You will be delighted to know that this type of flooring can be installed almost anywhere in your home. You will just have to ensure you have a dry, clean, flat and structurally sound subfloor. As this entails a more complex installation process, you may want to consult a professional.

Can I install laminate over a concrete subfloor?

Most of these flooring can be installed over concrete subfloors without much problem. You can even install them over existing floors that are made of carpet, vinyl sheet, ceramic tile, concrete and wood. If you are installing over carpets, you must make sure that they are fully adhered and is not thicker than a quarter of an inch. Laminate should never be installed over carpet that is laid on top of concrete.

Can laminate floors be cleaned?

The process of cleaning your laminate floors will be easy. You only need to sweep or vacuum with a wand attachment, then clean with the appropriate floor care products. If a spill occurs, you simply need to wipe or blot the spill up in a prompt manner. Remember to avoid using abrasive cleaners and soap-based detergents.

I own a pet. Are laminate floors a good idea?

Laminate floors are usually very durable to start with and are designed to withstand scuffs and scratches. However, it is always a good idea to keep cat or dog’s nail trimmed regularly and wipe up accidental spills from their water bowl as soon as it happens.

Do area rugs go hand in hand with a laminate floor?

A majority of rugs in the market are suitable to be used with a laminate floor. The only mats and rugs that you should not use with these floors is a mat or rug that has an abrasive backing. You should opt for mats that have rubber, polypropylene, latex, felt or other soft backings.

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