If you place laminate flooring on a weak or uneven sub floor the new floor will be compromised and eventually buckle damage the laminate locking system creak or create micro gaps in the new floor.
Laminate floor edge spacing.
An expansion gap is essential when it comes to laminate flooring installation.
When installing laminate flooring it s important to leave a gap between the panel edges and all walls.
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When a jamb is undercut as poorly as seen in photograph this is an installation related concern.
Why is a gap at the walls important.
T molding is most often used when you need a transition piece between a tiled floor and a laminate wood floor.
Under cutting door jambs.
When you install the floor you ll need to leave a quarter inch space between the flooring edges and walls or any other permanent floor spaces such as the base of cabinets.
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This space will allow room for the flooring to expand and contract with changes in humidity.
The standard width of a t molding strip is 2 inches and the standard height is 5 8 inch.
Do not fasten t molding through the laminate floor or with fasteners against the edge of the laminate floor as this will lock the floor in.
Installing a floating floor to a flush transition molding can potentially lead to buckling end joint peaking and squeaks later on.
The base of the t shape can range from 1 2 inch to 3 4 inches wide.
Your laminate floor will flex up and down adjusting to your uneven sub floor and the end effect will be damaged locking system micro gaps between boards and poor floor performance.
These days many companies sell special devices designed to make it easier to close small gaps in hardwood and laminate flooring.
The gap will be hidden by the skirting boards.
Most laminate flooring manufacturers provide quarter inch plastic spacers as.
Door jambs need to be undercut to allow for expansion space.
Purchase a floor gap fixer tool.
Leave a 1 inch space on the floor to accommodate the base of the t molding strip.
These most often take the form of small heavy rectangular blocks.
The recommended expansion gap is a minimum of inch.
Ideal situation is when you can check your sub floor quality before laminate flooring purchase and then make adequate decision.
Sub floors are typically concrete or cement and develop weaknesses over time.