In terms of updating your own home’s flooring, Luxurious Vinyl Tile (LVT) stands out as a preferred alternative attributable to its sturdiness, aesthetic attraction, and ease of upkeep. Nevertheless, owners usually ponder whether or not LVT will be put in immediately over current laminate flooring. Whereas this would possibly appear to be a handy shortcut, Vinyl Flooring Direct strongly advises in opposition to it. Let’s delve into the the explanation why laying LVT over laminate may result in extra issues than options.
Understanding the Nature of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is thought for its capability to imitate the look of wooden or stone, offering an economical various for owners. Nevertheless, its building comes with a notable attribute: laminate flooring are designed to broaden and contract in response to environmental moisture ranges. This “floating” nature of laminate flooring means they don’t seem to be anchored to the subfloor, permitting them to maneuver barely as wanted.
The Dangers of Double Layering
Putting in LVT on prime of laminate introduces a number of dangers:
- Moisture Trapping: By putting LVT over laminate, you successfully create a moisture barrier atop a floor that should breathe. Laminate’s propensity to soak up moisture and broaden may result in buckling, not simply of the laminate, however of your new LVT layer as effectively.
- Compromised Integrity: The floating nature of laminate means it could actually shift in any route. If it chooses to broaden upwards, it could actually disrupt the LVT above, resulting in uneven surfaces and potential injury to each layers.
- Elevated Prices: The attract of saving effort and time by not eradicating the prevailing laminate may be tempting. Nevertheless, ought to each the laminate and LVT layers develop into broken, the associated fee and energy to rectify the state of affairs would far exceed the preliminary funding in getting ready an appropriate substrate.
Business Views on Subflooring
It’s not simply laminate flooring that pose an issue. Different kinds of flooring, reminiscent of hardwood and engineered wooden, additionally expertise enlargement and contraction. Consequently, many producers explicitly checklist these as unsuitable subfloors for LVT set up.
Set up Concerns
Whereas some would possibly take into account anchoring the laminate by nailing or screwing it right down to negate its floating nature, this strategy just isn’t with out its pitfalls:
- Moisture Considerations: Even when mounted in place, laminate can nonetheless take in moisture. This will result in enlargement that impacts the LVT’s joints and general stability.
- Structural Integrity: Securing the laminate doesn’t deal with the elemental situation of moisture sensitivity and the next impression on each laminate and LVT layers.
The Skilled Stance
No respected flooring installer would suggest or agree to put in LVT over an current floating flooring. The dangers concerned, from moisture points to structural instability, make such an strategy ill-advised.
The Safer Route
If you happen to’re contemplating updating your flooring with LVT, the most secure and simplest strategy is to take away the prevailing laminate. This not solely eliminates the danger of moisture-related points but additionally ensures that your new LVT set up has a stable and secure basis. Moreover, eradicating the laminate would possibly reveal that your doorways are already appropriately adjusted for the brand new flooring, facilitating a smoother set up course of.
Conclusion
Whereas the thought of putting in LVT over current laminate would possibly appear to be a shortcut to a brand new flooring, the potential issues far outweigh the perceived advantages. The moisture dynamics of laminate flooring, mixed with the necessity for a secure and safe base for LVT, make it clear that eradicating the laminate is the most effective plan of action. By doing so, you make sure the longevity, magnificence, and security of your new LVT flooring, making it a worthwhile funding in your house’s future.
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FAQ
Can LVT be put in immediately over laminate flooring?
No, it’s not beneficial to put in Luxurious Vinyl Tile (LVT) over laminate flooring. Laminate’s capability to broaden and contract with environmental moisture can result in points reminiscent of buckling, each for the laminate and the newly put in LVT.
What are the dangers of putting in LVT over laminate?
There are a number of dangers, together with moisture changing into trapped between the layers, resulting in enlargement and potential injury. The floating nature of laminate flooring may also trigger instability for the LVT layer, and rectifying any injury could possibly be costlier than correct preliminary set up.
Why do some producers advise in opposition to putting in over sure subfloors?
Many flooring producers checklist laminate, hardwood, and engineered wooden as unsuitable subfloors for LVT as a result of they share comparable points with enlargement and contraction, which might undermine the steadiness and integrity of the brand new flooring.
Is it potential to safe laminate flooring to keep away from these points?
Whereas nailing or screwing down laminate to stop it from floating may appear to be an answer, it doesn’t remove the danger of moisture-related enlargement. This might nonetheless result in instability and injury to the LVT.
What’s the beneficial strategy for putting in LVT?
The most secure and simplest technique is to take away the prevailing laminate flooring. This ensures a secure and safe base for the brand new LVT set up, eliminating the danger of moisture-related points and making certain the longevity of your flooring.