Laminate Gives

KnightofTexas

I just had my laminate installed and it looks great.My concern is that in one room,the laminate gives slightly when I step on it.The guys poured self leveler over the entire floor and it seemed flat enough prior to the install.I guess I didn't check it thoroughly enough for flatness.Is it ok if the floor gives just a little in places or should I have them pick up the floor and fill these spots?I went with Quick-Step UF916.

Don Benham

A little give is probably not much to be concerned about. I t depends on how much though, any flex in a floating floor can cause joints to seperate or become damaged. It's hard to tell with the floor installed, it's very destructive to take it up to find out.

Did you get a decent warrantee on the installation? If so I waould say wait untill and if it becomes a problem. Keep a goot eye out for joint seperation and don't let your warrantee run out if a problem develops.

You'll need to use your judgment on how much flex you're having and if you think it's too much to let go.

HTH,
Don

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Benham Flooring
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Look, I know the voices in my head aren't real, it's just that lately they've had some really good points.

KnightofTexas

Thanks Don.That's a weight off my shoulders.This floor does have a 25 year warranty if installed correctly.My installer has 20 years in flooring and is a member of the BBB.
I wasn't sure how this warranty stuff works and what recourse I had if my tongue and grooves snap off.I really don't want to ask the guys to take the floor up.I want to just live with it.It's really just a minor give in a couple of spots.

Teetorbilt

Knight, A floating floor does just that, floats. The underlay determines many factors such as vertical movement, R-value and sound absorbtion. Personally, I like a little 'give' to the floor, it makes it easier on the feet and back.
With the rep that your installer has, I would not worry about it.

KnightofTexas

Thanks Teetor! Keep the reassurance coming guys!

KnightofTexas

While I have your attention,I'd like to ask your opinion on the laminate in front of my bathroom sink,which is part of my master bedroom floor.Should this area be sealed or glued together in case of a spill from the sink?How do you do that?

Teetorbilt

Knight, I have a product to address this problem. The patent has been applied for. That should clear this problem up in the next few months, I'll let you know when it does.

KnightofTexas

I assume you're referring to my bathroom being sealed?

Teetorbilt

My application is for topside sealing only. Anything that creeps underneath is on you.
I really oppose bathroom installations, just too much to go wrong.

KnightofTexas

I had no choice,my bathroom sink adjoins to my master.Toilet and shower in seperate room."My application is for topside sealing only",<--right,I want to seal the v-grooves and near the baseboards.(I have the 4 perspective bevelled edges.)

Teetorbilt

I still reccomend tile or other flooring for humid areas.
On the soapbox, I still don't understand why laminate manufacturers don't accept the fact that their products may be used in baths and kitchens. The first one out with a waterproof product is going to make some major bucks.

Floorwizard

Mannington Icore

100% waterproof

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"in 20 years you will regret more what you did not do than what you did"

Teetorbilt

Always ask the expert. Glad to see you back, Flor.

Don Benham

You can seal the perimeter with silicone to prevent moisture getting in from the top.

Don

__________________
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Benham Flooring
__________________________________________

Look, I know the voices in my head aren't real, it's just that lately they've had some really good points.

KnightofTexas

So,is it unheard of to seal each groove between planks?

Teetorbilt

The glue used in glue together is an acrylic and I would believe that it would be watertight although I have never tested it. Glue a couple of scraps together and put some water on it. If it doesn't swell up in an hour I'd say that its watertight.

Floorwizard

some laminates are so tight without glue, that you cannot put glue in it.
like the UNILIN joint on Quickstep.
if it's possible to glue the joint then do it. it's cheap insurance.

__________________
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"in 20 years you will regret more what you did not do than what you did"

Teetorbilt

Flor, I was thinking of just putting the glue on the top side of the tongue, not in the groove. Should have been more specific.

Floorwizard

yea...what were you thinkin

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"in 20 years you will regret more what you did not do than what you did"