Preparatory work preceding the laying of laminate is a mandatory part of the floor arrangement process. Is it possible to skip this step? This will be a wrong decision, because even slight differences of a few millimeters create conditions for loosening of the locks. As a result, gaps appear between the boards. Floorboards begin to creak and “float”. To avoid these and other troubles, you need to perfectly level the surface.
What height difference is considered permissible? The maximum is 2 mm per 1 meter.
You can prepare the floor for laminate in different ways. When choosing a concrete base, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface of debris and dust before starting work. Before pouring the screed, you should mark the required level and install beacons. Only then can you pour and level the concrete.
If the decision is made to leave the existing wooden floor in place, the rotten boards should be replaced and the planks should be tightened. In this way, it will be possible to eliminate creaks. Chipboard or plywood can be used to level the floor. Sheets must be stacked leaving small gaps. If there are large differences, it is worth laying the material in 2 rows. To level, bars are placed under the sheets.
The bulk mix will also help create a perfect rough surface. It is made taking into account the recommendations specified in the instructions. The mixture is poured from the wall to the door, and then rolled with a needle roller. After the screed dries, it is enough to wait 3-4 days and you can start laying the laminate.
Lining for laminate
A lot also depends on it. Polyethylene foam lining stands out from inexpensive options. It is easy to lay and, it is not afraid of moisture, therefore it does not rot and is not prone to the formation of mold. Cork, on the contrary, does not differ in moisture resistance. Therefore, waterproofing should be laid under the layer of cork substrate. Of course, this material has undeniable advantages, including 100% environmental friendliness.
If an alternative is needed, a cork liner with a paper base impregnated with bitumen can be purchased. The material will not deteriorate from condensation, but its price is completely undemocratic, as is the cost of coniferous rolls. The material with a very pleasant aroma creates excellent thermal insulation and protects against moisture.
Laminate for housing. Which one to choose and how to care for it
The material for the premises is selected individually. The process takes into account the operational characteristics and appearance of the product:
- For the kitchen, you need a moisture-resistant laminate that does not slip and withstands high loads well. Ideally, the surface should be textured. Spots on it are not so noticeable.
- A waterproof PVC laminate should be laid in the bathroom. Options with a rubber seal will allow you to create a hermetic coating.
- The material for the nursery should be ecological. Equally important are its soundproofing properties.
- Class 33-34 laminate is bought for the corridor. High wear resistance is considered the main criterion here.
Caring for laminate is not difficult at all. Dust does not stick to it, so it is enough to vacuum and wash the surface once a week. Difficult-to-remove stains will easily disappear after using a special composition. It will not spoil the surface. As a last resort, you can use acetone.
Laminate is washed in the same way as any other coating – the agent is added to water or poured onto the stain. After application, it is washed off, and the floor is thoroughly wiped. Water should not get into the area between the joints.
Ink, marks from a felt-tip pen, even wax and chewing gum are perfectly removed from laminate. The latter should be scraped off, and the damaged area should be lubricated with a restorative composition. Detergents with a neutral pH perfectly remove stains from wine and juice. Aggressive products are completely incompatible with laminate, as are hard washcloths or brushes. Even the masking composition is not always able to cope with the scratches that appear after their application. In this case, you need to replace the board.
Which manufacturers offer the most interesting products in Ukraine? What material will successfully fit into the existing interior? How to make a perfectly smooth rough coating and lay a laminate? Kapitel Company – we know the answers to all your questions and are ready to provide practical help – quickly, qualitatively, reliably.