Chips, Dents, Scratches, Gouges in Laminate Planks
Chipped Plank Corners
It is the responsibility of the installer to check all planks prior to installing.
Most all laminate manufacturers take the view that when you install a damaged plank such as one with a chip in it, this becomes your responsibility and not theirs.
Chips at plank corners, especially those that cross over between planks are caused either during the installation process or by a dropped object.
When a chip is located at a single plank corner, this is usually a plank that was installed damaged or became damaged during installation.
An installer must be careful not to install a plank with a chipped corner and if it chips during installation it should be pulled at that time and replaced with a different plank.
Dents, Gouges, Indentations in Laminate Floor
Dents: Like floors of wood and bamboo, laminate floors are subject to denting when a heavy object is dropped on it.
Dents from dropped objects will have stress cracks around the edge of the dent.
Indentations or Gouges: Heavy objects being rolled across a laminate floor can cause indentations or deep gouges.
Laminate Scratching and Scuffing
While some over zealous sales people tend to sell laminate floor as being indestructible most laminate flooring manufacturers state that their floor is scratch resistant. Do not confuse scratch resistant with scratch proof as this is not the same. Usually scratches are not covered by a manufacturers warranty.
Scratch Prevention: Use felt protector on all furniture legs. Keep animal nails trimmed. Place an area rug at all entrances to catch gritty soil and debris. Shoes can trap debris in the soles and scratch a floor. Avoid using hard plastic toys on a laminate floor as hard plastics can abrade a laminate finish.
Caster Damage to Laminate Floor
- The proper caster must be used on office and other rolling chairs.
- Some manufacturers state that an office chair must have at least 5 casters.
Most laminate flooring manufactures state that rubber casters need to be used as both metal and plastic casters will cause, indentations, abrasions, scratching or scuffing to the surface of the laminate floor.
Improper casters such as metal and hard plastics can also cause chipping along the edge of the planks.
Tapping Block Damage
A tapping block is sometimes used by the installer to join the short ends of the planks.
When a tapping block is used improperly or an objects such as a hammer is used, or planks are kicked together this can damage plank edges.
Laminate Floor Care and Maintenance
Protect Floor from Scratching
While laminate flooring has a harder finish than many types of floor covering, all types of floors can loose their appearance from dirt. Abrasive soil scratches and cuts at a floor surface resulting in a dull appearance.
- Trap dirt, sand and grit by using doormats at outside entrances.
- Use felt protectors under chair, table and other furniture legs. On large items that may scratch a floor place a piece of felt under it.
- Use a dust mop, or vacuum to remove loose dirt or grit. (Avoid uprights or carpet attachments as these may scratch the floor.
Cleaning Laminate Floors
- Damp mop with warm water; do not saturate the floor and change the water as necessary to keep clean.
Cleaning Spots and Small Areas
- Use a clean damp cloth or clean sponge to wipe up most spots. Grease, chocolate, juice or wine. Use warm water and one of the following: mild detergent, vinegar or ammonia. (Never use excessive water)
- Crayon, asphalt, dried foods, shoe or nail polish, ink, paint or other materials that would stain most floors: Rub with a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits, denatured alcohol or acetone (nail polish remover). The room should be well ventilated.
- Candle wax, chewing gum harden with ice, then gently scrape with a blunt scraper. Wipe with warm water and a clean white cloth.
Don’ts
- Never clean with abrasive cleaners, scouring powder or steel wool.
- Do not sand, use wax, polish or varnish.
- Do not allow liquid to stand on a floor.
