When laminate flooring was introduced to the United States in 1994 under the Pergo brand, it marked a turning point in the flooring industry. Laminate flooring popularized the concept of floating floors—a type of flooring that doesn’t require glue or nails to secure it to the subfloor. The floor “floats” on top of a layer of underlayment, which allows it to expand and contract freely. However, despite floating floors gaining popularity, many of the issues that arose back in 1994 still persist today. Floating floors, which include laminate, vinyl, and various other materials, require special attention during installation and maintenance to avoid potential problems. Let’s explore the key reasons floating floors fail and the installation mistakes to avoid.
What Are Floating Floors?
Floating floors are flooring materials that are not adhered to the subfloor but instead rest on top of it with an underlayment in between. This installation method allows the floor to “float” above the subfloor, meaning it can expand and contract as needed. Floating floors are typically installed in a tongue-and-groove fashion, where the edges of the boards lock together without the need for nails or glue.
Common types of floating floors include:
- Laminate Flooring
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
- Engineered Hardwood
- Cork Flooring
- Floating Carpet Tiles
While floating floors offer many benefits, including ease of installation and flexibility, they come with specific installation requirements. Failing to follow these requirements can lead to a variety of problems, from buckling and separation to cracking and uneven wear patterns.
Common Reasons Floating Floors Fail
1. Neglecting the Need for Expansion Zones
One of the most common mistakes when installing floating floors is ignoring the required expansion zone. A floating floor needs room to expand and contract as the temperature and humidity levels change. For example, in areas with extreme seasonal changes, such as hot summers and cold winters, the subfloor can move, causing the flooring to shift.
An expansion zone, typically around ¼ inch to ½ inch, must be left along the edges of the floor—around walls, pipes, and any other vertical objects like cabinets. Without this gap, the floor can become compressed or pinched, leading to buckling, expansion, or separation over time. The expansion zone is designed to accommodate the natural movement of the floor without causing damage.
2. Inadequate Subfloor Preparation
Floating floors still require a smooth and flat subfloor. A subfloor that is uneven or has high spots can lead to problems with the installation and cause long-term damage. Floating floors are not designed to cover up imperfections in the subfloor. In fact, uneven subfloors can prevent the locking mechanisms in the flooring from fitting properly, leading to gaps, cracks, and even flooring disengagement.
A subfloor that deviates more than ¼ inch in 10 feet or ⅛ inch in 6 feet can compromise the installation. Floors like laminate, vinyl, and engineered hardwood require a well-prepared subfloor to ensure smooth locking and a durable finish. Failing to prep the subfloor properly can lead to creaking, cracking, and even damage to the flooring’s locking system.
3. Installing Cabinets Over Floating Floors
A mistake that many homeowners make is installing cabinetry and heavy furniture over a floating floor. While it might seem logical to install the floor first and then place the cabinets and appliances on top, this creates a serious issue. The cabinets and furniture essentially lock the floor in place, preventing it from moving freely. This can create a pinch point, which causes the floor to buckle or warp over time.
To prevent this, it’s essential to install floating floors after the cabinets are in place or leave enough room around the cabinets to accommodate the necessary expansion zone.
4. Nailing or Securing Moldings and Transitions to the Floor
When it comes to installing moldings and transitions, it’s crucial not to nail them directly into the floating floor. Nailing through the flooring creates the same issue as installing heavy furniture or cabinetry—it prevents the floor from moving freely, which can lead to buckling or separation. Moldings and transitions should always be fastened to the wall or subfloor, not the floor itself.
This issue is particularly common with sheet vinyl flooring, where contractors used to install tack strips and transition pieces through the vinyl, leading to failure and buckling. Ensuring that moldings and transitions are properly installed is critical to the longevity of a floating floor.
5. Floating Floors Aren’t Ideal for Every Application
Floating floors are incredibly versatile, but they’re not the right solution for every application. For instance, floating floors may not perform well in areas that experience heavy rolling loads or high amounts of foot traffic. A floating floor might not be the best choice for places like commercial kitchens, hallways with high foot traffic, or large areas with heavy furniture or equipment that will continuously shift the floor.
In some cases, a more rigid flooring option may be more appropriate. For example, church pews bolted through a floating vinyl floor could create issues, as the weight and fixed position of the pews would prevent the floor from moving naturally.
Tips for Successful Floating Floor Installation
To avoid the common pitfalls associated with floating floors, it’s essential to follow proper installation guidelines. Here are some tips to ensure a successful installation:
- Leave Expansion Gaps: Ensure a sufficient expansion gap of at least ¼ inch around the perimeter of the room and any vertical objects, such as walls or pipes. This allows the floor to move freely and adjust to seasonal changes.
- Prepare the Subfloor: Before installing a floating floor, ensure the subfloor is flat, smooth, and free from debris. This will help ensure proper locking and prevent damage to the floor during use.
- Install Cabinets After the Floor: To avoid creating a pinch point, install floating floors before placing cabinetry, or leave adequate space around cabinets to allow for expansion.
- Avoid Nailing Through the Floor: Moldings and transitions should never be nailed into the floating floor. Instead, fasten them securely to the wall or subfloor to prevent buckling.
Conclusion
Floating floors, while an excellent choice for many applications, require proper installation and attention to detail. Failing to adhere to the basic rules of floating floor installation, such as leaving expansion zones, preparing the subfloor, and avoiding the installation of cabinets over the floor, can lead to significant issues like buckling, cracking, and separation. It’s important to carefully consider the requirements of your floating floor and ensure it’s the best choice for your specific needs. By following the installation guidelines and taking the time to prepare your space, you can enjoy the benefits of a floating floor for years to come.
If you’re unsure about the installation process, or if you need help finding the right flooring option for your space, consult with a professional flooring contractor. A well-installed floating floor can provide you with durability and aesthetic appeal, but it requires the right approach to ensure long-lasting success.