Why Do Laminate Floors Float

Buckling occurs when laminate flooring does not have enough space to contract and expand with temperature changes.

Why do laminate floors float.

Laminate floors need to be swept or vacuumed often to keep them clean. Thankfully you do not have to undertake major renovation projects like removing the entire floor to remedy the situation. Laminate floor peaking on the other side of the spectrum is peaking which is caused when boards are pushed up against each other. For this reason it is important never to wet mop a laminate floor.

Buckling diagram from kronotex. The floating method allows the flooring to respond to changes in a room s relative humidity by expanding and contracting without buckling. Keep in mind that most laminate floors are floating floors. Therefore it is crucial to take precautions to prevent buckling.

When a laminate floor covering is squeaking on the other hand it could be because the subfloor isn t level there s no underpadding or the boards have expanded and then shrunk again. Since it is a floating floor the planks tend to contract when it is cool and expand when it is warm. If your laminate floor is moving and shifting you can fix it by closing any gaps between the floorboards. Excessive water on the surface of the floor can also lead to buckling or warping.

Build direct notes that the most common reason laminate floorboards peak is due to a lack of expansion space between the moldings and the floor. Dirt is an enemy to laminate since it scratches and dulls the finish of the floor. Laminate flooring planks are generally joined together along the edges and end with a modified tongue and groove system often known as click lock or fold and lock. Floor coverings like laminate luxury vinyl or engineered wood flooring may be snapped together to create a one piece uniform surface rather like a jigsaw puzzle.

Floating floors are an ideal option if you don t want to glue laminate planks to the subfloor. They float above the subsurface to allow for expansion and contraction in reaction to a room s humidity level. High moisture content in the air can sometimes lead to buckling or warping. Laminate flooring is affected by water in a number of ways.

However sweeping or vacuuming improperly can do more damage to your laminate than the dirt.