Installing laminates for flooring is a big task. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional, it is better to know and understand common problems that may occur. You can avoid some problems if you know what to look for and how to properly handles the laminate sheets.
Always check the sub-floors as they are typically cement or concrete and develop weakness over time. If you place the laminate sheets on uneven and weak sub-floor, the new floor will be compromised, damage the laminate locking system, creak and create micro gaps in the new floor. Use a level to see how flat the floor is. If there are gaps larger than 1/8", then you may need self-levelling mortar to level the surface. Any areas that peak higher than 1/8" will need to be lowered to create an even surface. Wooden floors need to be sanded down and concrete floor will need grinding.
Cheap laminate flooring has a higher chance of being defective, so always choose a quality material. Purchase approximately 15% more laminates than you expect will be needed.
Install a proper underlayment of a thin, hard layer of cement board, foam or wood. It protects the floor from moisture and prevents warping and buckling. Plywood underlayment is easy to install and usually cheap.
Remember to monitor the temperature of the laminates. If the flooring has been left outside or in a cold atmosphere is fully contracted. If you install the laminate sheets while it is cold, it will later cause cracks and humps in the floor. Let the floor warm up overnight before installing.
Do not forget to inspect each piece of the laminate and follow the manufacturer's installation directions. Leave a small amount of space around edges of the room where you are installation the flooring, else the floor may warp.
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