Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic floor covering that is designed to look like wood or stone flooring. It is fused together around a watertight high-density fiberboard making it extremely durable, strong, impact, and scratch-resistant. There are different types of laminate floors depending on your unique needs.
Acclimatization is the process of adjusting to the new environment. Before installation, laminate flooring needs to sit in the room they will be installed for at least 48 hours to accustom to the new climate.
In the same way, we take time to adjust to new environments for example, laminate flooring is no different.
The humidity levels and temperatures in your home may differ from the manufacturing environment, shipping, and warehouse store and therefore laminate flooring needs acclimatization before installation.
Purpose of acclimatization in flooring installation
Acclimatization is the process of allowing the laminate flooring to adapt to its installation environment.
Laminate flooring is sensitive to variations in temperature and humidity it therefore needs time for the planks to adjust to the environmental conditions to minimize the risk occurring from expansion and contraction such as gapping, warping or buckling. Acclimatization allows the planks to lock to each other perfectly.
Acclimatizing laminate flooring is also important to avoid moisture-related issues that occur if proper precautions are not taken. Uneven moisture absorption or exposure to excessive moisture during acclimation can cause the planks to warp resulting to uneven flooring.
Proper acclimatization ensures the laminate flooring performs well and lasts long.
Factors affecting acclimatization.
Laminate flooring reacts to changes in temperature and humidity. It is subject to contraction and expansion. An increase in temperature causes expansion to the laminate flooring, and a decrease in temperature causes contraction. These changes might cause the laminate to lift or bubble if it’s not left to acclimate.
High humidity levels say above 60% will cause expansion to the laminate floor. Contraction occurs at low humidity levels below 30% moisture seeps into the floorboards causing the laminate to swell.
Acclimatizing allows the planks to adjust to the environment in temperature and humidity.
Not properly acclimating laminate flooring may cause excessive expansion, shrinkage or structural damage.
Laminate flooring performs best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative humidity range of 30% to 50% and a temperature range of 60° to 80° Fahrenheit.
Do not store the laminate flooring under uncontrolled climate conditions like garages and exterior patios or areas with sudden indoor climate changes it will adversely affect their moisture content or cause excessive shrinkage or expansion.
Flooring manufacturer recommendations; Manufacturers recommend acclimating the laminate floor for a certain period of time say 48 to 72 hours. If that is the case then stack the materials in unopened boxes for the specific time recommended.
How to acclimatize laminate flooring step-by-step.
Laminate flooring can be installed over any type of subfloor; concrete, plywood, vinyl flooring, tile, or stone.
Most laminate flooring systems are designed to lock together securely without the need for adhesives but always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions different laminate flooring products may have specific requirements.
Step 1: Initial preparation
Proper preparation is important for a durable and visually appealing laminate floor. These may include;
- Clean the installation area– ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Fill in the low spots, sand down the high spots, and remove all the debris, dust, or protruding nails.
- Remove existing flooring (if applicable)- Laminate needs a solid and even surface. Ensure the surface is smooth and free from any imperfections. Remove the carpets and ensure the subfloor is in good condition. If you are replacing an existing laminate it is recommended to remove the old flooring
- Check the moisture content on the subfloor and the laminate flooring and ensure it is within the acceptable range. If the subfloor is potentially damp it’s recommended to install a moisture barrier or an underlayment. Some laminate flooring products come with the attached underlayment which will give it a cushioning effect.
Step 2: Laminate Flooring storage and placement
- Store the laminate flooring in a dry and cool place preferably under the same conditions where they will be installed.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes this might alter the integrity of the material.
- Plan the layout of your laminate flooring and give it time to acclimate.
- Place the cartons in the middle of the floor and boxes laying side by side away from the exterior walls. Leave some space for air circulation around the boxes.
- To prevent warping of the laminate planks, store the laminate flooring boxes flat
- Stacking and separating planks- stack the laminate planks neatly with spacers between each layer to allow adequate space for airflow.
Placement;
- Ensure the temperature during installation is consistent with the normal living temperature in the room.
- Prepare the subfloor as per the manufacturer’s instruction if there is a need for a moisture barrier or underlayment ensure you install it.
- Plan the layout of your laminate flooring and install the planks parallel to the longest wall in the room.
Step 3: Monitoring temperature and humidity
- Install laminate flooring when appropriate temperature and humidity have been achieved. These are the conditions to be experienced after occupancy.
- Maintain temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit and a 35%- 65% relative humidity level to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the flooring.
- At the time of installation, the temperature of the floor should not exceed 64 degrees Fahrenheit
- Leave an expansion space around the entire perimeter of the room
- Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level in the room before, during, and after installation.
Step 4: Duration of acclimatization
- Recommended acclimatization period– if the manufacturer recommends the laminate flooring to acclimate before installation for a certain period of time often 48 to 72 hours, then ensure the building is enclosed and the room has normal living conditions for temperature and humidity. This will ensure there is an equilibrium moisture content in the laminate flooring and its environment
- Adjustments based on specific conditions– If you are using a permanent heating and/or air conditioning system it should run before, during, and after installation. If that is not possible then a temporary heating or humidification system that mimics normal living conditions can be used until the permanent heating and air conditioning is operational.
- Ensure proper acclimatization of the laminate flooring to avoid excessive expansion, shrinkage, or structural damage.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls during acclimatization.
1.Rushing the acclimatization process– Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the environment it will be installed.
Manufacturers often recommend a specific acclimatization period usually 48 to 72 hours.
2.Ignoring temperature and humidity levels– laminate flooring is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes.
Failure to check and maintain the proper environmental conditions before and after installation may lead to buckling, gaps or warping due to excessive expansion or contraction.
3.Improper storage and handling of laminate flooring -Storing the laminate flooring incorrectly can impact its acclimatization. Storing it in an environment that does not match the conditions where it will be installed will affect its moisture content.
Don’t ignore the environmental conditions in which you store the laminate flooring before, during, and after installation.
4.Improper subfloor preparation before installation– Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry before installation. Unevenness can cause the boards to warp over time.
5. Skipping the specific guidelines by the manufacturer.
All the recommendations on underlayment, subfloor preparation and installation process should be followed to provide stability and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1.Can laminate flooring be installed without acclimatization?
Most experts recommend that laminate flooring be allowed to acclimate for at least 48hours before installation. It’s a crucial stage that allows the hardwood to adjust to the temperature and humidity level of the installation environment.
As the moisture content in the air changes, they are able to expand or contract. Its important to give them enough time to expand and contract to avoid gaps and unevenness, buckling or warping.
2.What happens if laminate flooring is not acclimatized?
If you don’t acclimatize the laminate flooring, the boards will not have enough time to expand and contract resulting in gaps and unevenness.
In other cases, the boards may swell too much and end up buckling or warping.
3.Does the acclimatization process vary for different laminate flooring types?
Every laminate flooring type has its own acclimatization requirements and guidelines.
Different manufacturers have different recommendations for acclimation be sure to read and follow the directions therein.
4.How long should the floor acclimate before installation?
The recommended time for acclimation is 48 to 72 hours with the room temperature set between 590 to 690F with a relative humidity of 50-60% refer to the guidelines by the manufacturer that are specific to your flooring type.
5.Should laminate flooring be unwrapped while it acclimates?
Often than not laminate flooring comes shrink wrapped in closed boxes, manufacturers recommend leaving the laminate boards in the shrink wrap package in the boxes during acclimation.
Place unopened packages of laminate flooring in the middle of the room they will be installed lay them flat to avoid warping then allow them to acclimate.
6.How do you stack laminate flooring to acclimate?
Laminate flooring should not be stacked, but laid horizontally and flat to avoid any warping or stress to the boards.
Lay each box horizontally flat on a space on the floor of the room it will be installed. If you have to stack them then use spacers to allow for air circulation and for the planks to acclimate evenly.
