Laminate floors are a popular choice due to their resemblance to hardwood floors and durability, but they require proper maintenance to preserve their appearance and longevity. For advice on cleaning and maintaining laminate flooring, consult our Laminate Flooring Installers in Birmingham or visit us to explore our range of flooring maintenance products. At JJ’s Flooring Services, we’ve compiled seven essential tips to help you keep your laminate flooring looking beautiful for years to come:
- Opt for a simple microfiber mop for cleaning laminate flooring. Avoid using soap, iron-wool, or abrasive cloths, as they can damage the surface.
- Regular sweeping is essential to prevent grit and dirt buildup. If vacuuming, use a hard-floor attachment to avoid scratching the laminate.
- Choose cleaning products carefully to avoid leaving residues or causing damage. Consider purchasing a laminate floor-cleaning kit from the manufacturer or a general-purpose laminate floor cleaner.
- While laminate floors are scratch-resistant, they are not scratch-proof. To prevent scratches, lift heavy furniture or appliances instead of dragging them, and use coasters or pads under furniture legs.
- Keep your floors always dry, as moisture can cause long-term damage. Clean up spills promptly to prevent water penetration into the flooring.
- In case of damage, such as scratches or dents, use laminate repair kits containing silicon filler and coloured wax sticks. These kits are typically available from manufacturers or flooring professionals.
- Regularly trim your pet’s claws to prevent them from scratching and damaging the laminate surface.
How to deal with lifting laminate flooring?
Dealing with lifted laminate flooring can be a frustrating issue, but understanding the underlying causes is crucial to finding the right solution. Here are the main reasons your laminate floor may be lifting and how to address them:
Underlying Moisture Problem:
Excess moisture in the subfloor or concrete slab can cause laminate flooring to lift. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels before laying on the floor. Installing a floor underlayment can also help protect against moisture and reduce noise.
Wrong Installation:
Incorrect installation, such as unevenly connecting interlocking pieces or inadequate acclimation, can lead to lifting. Ensure proper installation by hiring a professional or following manufacturer guidelines closely.
Uneven Subfloor:
An uneven subfloor can cause bouncing or lifting of laminate flooring. Level the subfloor using a self-levelling compound or seek assistance from a professional contractor for severe unevenness.
Lack of Expansion Gaps:
Failure to leave expansion gaps at the edges of laminate pieces can lead to lifting as humidity fluctuates. Leave a small gap between sections to accommodate swelling and contraction.
Once you’ve identified the cause of the lifting, here’s how to fix it:
Fixing an Uneven Subfloor:
Lift the affected sections of flooring and sand down any uneven areas on the subfloor. Add underlayment to hide imperfections and reinstall the laminate using a block and mallet.
Addressing Moisture Damage:
Locate and resolve the source of excess moisture, such as leaks or high humidity. Remove lifted portions of flooring, add a moisture-resistant underlayment, and conduct a moisture meter test to ensure acceptable levels.
Adding Expansion Gaps:
Remove and cut the boards to create a ¼ inch gap if expansion gaps were not initially included. Consider hiring professionals for this extensive task.
Consider Replacement:
If the lifting issue persists or the damage is extensive, consider replacing the flooring altogether. Hiring experienced flooring specialists can ensure a proper and lasting solution.
Contact experts to accurately diagnose and address the lifting issue, as DIY solutions may not always be practical. By addressing the root cause, you can prevent future lifting and maintain the beauty and integrity of your laminate flooring.
At JJ’s Flooring Services, we are dedicated to excellence in all that we do. Our loyalty to supplying superior flooring solutions drives us to stay updated with modern products and design trends. We take pride in offering a diverse collection of quality floors, from classical to contemporary styles.
Our vast collection features products from top flooring producers and brands, ensuring our customers receive the best. Whether you’re looking for hardwood, laminate, vinyl, carpet, or tile flooring, we have options to suit every taste and budget.
We know the importance of providing flooring solutions that enhance your space’s aesthetic appeal and offer enduring durability and performance. That’s why we accurately curate our product offerings to ensure the best user experience for years.
When you choose JJ’s Flooring Services, you can trust that you’re investing in quality and craftsmanship. Our team is dedicated to helping you discover the perfect flooring solution to convert your space into the home or business of your dreams. Visit us today to discover our wide selection and experience the alteration quality flooring can make.
