Comments on: Expansion Space Around Walls and Fixed Objects http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/ "Your How to Laminate Flooring Source." Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:07:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-211 Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:40:13 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-211 Dani One of the reasons you see conflicting information as not all laminate manufacturers have the same requirements for the installation of their laminate flooring. In the room you describe approx 18' x 22' joining a room 14' x 14' through a 6 foot opening transition is generally not required. Again though you must check the instructions for the floor you want to use. It is very common for T-molding to be required for an opening under 4 foot in width and for a continuous room over a certain length (varies per mfg.). You mention Harmonics flooring. Their requirements state, "Large rooms must have expansion joints every 13m (40 feet) width-wise to the panels and every 13m (40 feet) length-wise. We recommend having an expansion joint between different rooms (e.g. under the door)." If you have specific questions for your Harmonics installation you can them at 1-888-459-9220. Terry W. Dani
One of the reasons you see conflicting information as not all laminate manufacturers have the same requirements for the installation of their laminate flooring. In the room you describe approx 18′ x 22′ joining a room 14′ x 14′ through a 6 foot opening transition is generally not required. Again though you must check the instructions for the floor you want to use.

It is very common for T-molding to be required for an opening under 4 foot in width and for a continuous room over a certain length (varies per mfg.). You mention Harmonics flooring. Their requirements state, “Large rooms must have expansion joints every 13m (40 feet) width-wise to the panels and every 13m (40 feet) length-wise. We recommend having an expansion joint between different rooms (e.g. under the door).” If you have specific questions for your Harmonics installation you can them at 1-888-459-9220.
Terry W.

]]> By: Dani Demyen http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-209 Dani Demyen Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:09:04 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-209 I have seen conflicting information on when and where to use T molding. My living room is approx 18 feet wide, and 22 feet long. We are running the laminate the length of the room. On one lengthwide side, the living room transitions through an opening into a den, approx 14 x 14. The entryway into the den is 6 feet wide. Do I need to break up the laminate flooring in the doorway between the living room and the den? When you see pictures of laminate, they have it flowing beautifully from one room to the next with no breaks. But I am finding conflicting information online. If the laminate expands from the center out, in each room, than would both rooms expand towards the doorway slightly, requiring a break, with molding and room for expansion? (The link to the PDF file regarding molding for my flooring type Harmonics is not working). We have at least 1/4" at each wall around the flooring in the living room, and are now working our way into the den. It would look so nice without T molding in the doorway, but is it necessary? And if so, should it go directly in the center of the opening? Thanks! I have seen conflicting information on when and where to use T molding. My living room is approx 18 feet wide, and 22 feet long. We are running the laminate the length of the room. On one lengthwide side, the living room transitions through an opening into a den, approx 14 x 14. The entryway into the den is 6 feet wide. Do I need to break up the laminate flooring in the doorway between the living room and the den? When you see pictures of laminate, they have it flowing beautifully from one room to the next with no breaks. But I am finding conflicting information online. If the laminate expands from the center out, in each room, than would both rooms expand towards the doorway slightly, requiring a break, with molding and room for expansion? (The link to the PDF file regarding molding for my flooring type Harmonics is not working). We have at least 1/4″ at each wall around the flooring in the living room, and are now working our way into the den. It would look so nice without T molding in the doorway, but is it necessary? And if so, should it go directly in the center of the opening? Thanks!

]]> By: Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-178 Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:16:33 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-178 Gerry You may feel some bounce on a laminate floor but usually this is not normal. Bounce is usually the result of problems such as improper acclimation, a locked in condition at walls or other fixed objects, failure to use "T" stye transition where needed such as in doorways, wall or door trim nailed through the laminate, flexing underlayment or moisture concerns resulting in expansion. Unfortunately I cannot give you the best solution without knowing which of these concerns it might be or it could be one of a number of other concerns less frequently seen. I would suggest that you either file a complaint with the dealer you purchased the floor from if they installed it or the contractor you used. If you get no satisfaction you might consider having the floor looked at by a flooring expert such as the flooring inspectors found at nicfi.org. Good luck, Terry Gerry
You may feel some bounce on a laminate floor but usually this is not normal. Bounce is usually the result of problems such as improper acclimation, a locked in condition at walls or other fixed objects, failure to use “T” stye transition where needed such as in doorways, wall or door trim nailed through the laminate, flexing underlayment or moisture concerns resulting in expansion. Unfortunately I cannot give you the best solution without knowing which of these concerns it might be or it could be one of a number of other concerns less frequently seen. I would suggest that you either file a complaint with the dealer you purchased the floor from if they installed it or the contractor you used. If you get no satisfaction you might consider having the floor looked at by a flooring expert such as the flooring inspectors found at nicfi.org.
Good luck, Terry

]]> By: Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-177 Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:07:27 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-177 Holy, The gaps can be filled using a flexible silicone caulk in a close matching color. You should be able to find flexible silicone caulk at a hardware store, building supply store or a big box store. Unfortunately if they did not properly fit the floor around the door casings there are likely to be other problems that exist with the installation so you might want to get in touch with the party you purchased the home from. Terry Holy, The gaps can be filled using a flexible silicone caulk in a close matching color. You should be able to find flexible silicone caulk at a hardware store, building supply store or a big box store. Unfortunately if they did not properly fit the floor around the door casings there are likely to be other problems that exist with the installation so you might want to get in touch with the party you purchased the home from.
Terry

]]> By: Gerry Santos http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-175 Gerry Santos Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:58:20 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-175 worker just installed laminate floor in our basement w/ subfloor underneath. but when we walk on it, it's bouncy or warp. They said it's normal becoz it is a floating laminate, pls tell me what is the best solution to resolve this problem, really NEED YOUR ADVICE thank you... worker just installed laminate floor in our basement w/ subfloor underneath. but when we walk on it, it’s bouncy or warp. They said it’s normal becoz it is a floating laminate, pls tell me what is the best solution to resolve this problem, really NEED YOUR ADVICE thank you…

]]> By: Holly http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-174 Holly Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:52:24 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-174 I bought a house with laminate floor. They did not under cut the door frames. Can I fill it with something to make it look less noticeable? Thanks, Holly I bought a house with laminate floor. They did not under cut the door frames. Can I fill it with something to make it look less noticeable?
Thanks,
Holly

]]> By: Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-88 Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer Sat, 28 May 2011 15:28:44 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-88 Dan, It sounds like you are talking about the track that the transition snaps into. If you glue directly to the vapor barrier the track for the transition will not be held solidly in place. My suggestion would be to also screw the track to the concrete so that the vapor barrier is not compromised. You would need to drill into the concrete and use anchors to hold the screws. If others have suggestions please share. Terry Dan, It sounds like you are talking about the track that the transition snaps into. If you glue directly to the vapor barrier the track for the transition will not be held solidly in place. My suggestion would be to also screw the track to the concrete so that the vapor barrier is not compromised. You would need to drill into the concrete and use anchors to hold the screws.

If others have suggestions please share.
Terry

]]> By: Dan Parker http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-87 Dan Parker Sat, 28 May 2011 14:41:34 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-87 I was wondering about the vapor barrier and how it should lay at a T molding transition. My T molding instructions recommend gluing it if the subfloor is concrete and screwing it if it is wood. Do I cut my vapor barrier (*Note*--I already laid the barrier and flooring and left a gap in the installed floor for the T molding, at bedroom/hallway) and glue the T molding track to the cement slab or do I glue it right to the vapor barrier? And if I cut it will it negate the vapor barrier? Please help. I was wondering about the vapor barrier and how it should lay at a T molding transition. My T molding instructions recommend gluing it if the subfloor is concrete and screwing it if it is wood. Do I cut my vapor barrier (*Note*–I already laid the barrier and flooring and left a gap in the installed floor for the T molding, at bedroom/hallway) and glue the T molding track to the cement slab or do I glue it right to the vapor barrier? And if I cut it will it negate the vapor barrier? Please help.

]]> By: Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-84 Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:48:15 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-84 There are a number of possible causes from manufacturing to site related to installation related or even a combination of causes. You should file a claim with the dealer you purchased the floor from and ask that the floor be inspected. There are a number of possible causes from manufacturing to site related to installation related or even a combination of causes. You should file a claim with the dealer you purchased the floor from and ask that the floor be inspected.

]]> By: Terry http://laminatefloorproblems.com/laminate-floor-problems/expansion-space-around-walls-and-fixed-objects/comment-page-1/#comment-83 Terry Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:50:53 +0000 http://laminatefloorproblems.com/?p=43#comment-83 When you have purchased a high end laminate, it was seasoned for 3 days, and within 6~8 months of installation you begin to find gaps at the end of your planks; as though the planks are beginning to separate from the connection plank? This is not happening on the sides, only on the ends. What causes this? Some of these gaps are over 1/4" in width. When you have purchased a high end laminate, it was seasoned for 3 days, and within 6~8 months of installation you begin to find gaps at the end of your planks; as though the planks are beginning to separate from the connection plank? This is not happening on the sides, only on the ends. What causes this? Some of these gaps are over 1/4″ in width.

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