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Q |
What are laminated floors and how are
they made? |
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A |
Most laminated flooring consists of a
moisture resistant layer under the core made of HDF (high
density fiberboard). This is topped with a high resolution
photographic image of natural wood flooring. It is then finished
with an extremely hard, clear coating made from special
resin-coated cellulose to protect the laminated flooring. |
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Q |
Where can I install laminated wood
flooring? |
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A |
Laminated flooring is an extremely
versatile flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any
room of your home, over wood, tiles or concrete. Ensure that
floor is level prior to installation, screeding uneven parts if
necessary. |
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Q |
What are the advantages of laminated
flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring ? |
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A |
One obvious advantage is that of price;
laminated flooring is typically half the cost of traditional
hardwood flooring. Sometimes the savings are even greater,
depending on the types of flooring and application. |
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Q |
What do I have to do before
installation? |
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A |
Laminated flooring boards must be
acclimatized for a minimum period of 48 hours in the room where
they will be installed. The sub-floor also needs to be level,
dry and clean. |
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Q |
Do I have to keep staggering the boards
in my laminated flooring installation? |
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A |
The first row should be started with a
full board, the second row with a 1/2 board. Repeat this brick
type pattern across the floor. |
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Q |
How do I determine the direction in
which to install my laminated flooring? |
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A |
To decide where to begin the layout of
your floor, consider incoming light. It is best to install
laminated flooring with the boards running parallel to incoming
light. |
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Q |
Will there be any cutting waste?
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A |
In a typical installation, add
approximately 7% to 10% for cutting and wastage. |
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Q |
What is the reason for the necessary
10mm gap left around the perimeter of the interior and around
other obstacles within it? |
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A |
Laminated flooring it is subject to
expansion caused by external climatic changes. An expansion gap
is a vital part of any successful installation because it allows
space for the movement of the floor as it responds to these
external influences, such as heat, cold and humidity. |
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Q |
What is a floating floor? |
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A |
A floating floor is a floor built with
all its parts attached to each other but with none of these
component parts fixed to the supporting floor. Virtually all
laminated floors install as floating floors. |
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Q |
Why is a moisture barrier used? |
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A |
Concrete floors are capable of storing a
vast amount of water. It is crucial to avoid all direct contact
between the laminated flooring and the concrete floor because the
soil beneath the concrete can transmit humidity into the floor.
Installing a moisture barrier over all surfaces is mandatory for
a successful installation and for the ongoing health of a
laminated floor. |
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Q |
How can I get the shine of my floor to
increase? |
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A |
The shine can not be modified as it is a
manufactured characteristic. Therefore, you must never wax or
polish a laminated floor. It will only make it sticky and cause
dirt and wax to build up. |
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Q |
Can laminated flooring be installed on
steps? |
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A |
Yes, laminated flooring can be installed
on steps but with this exceptional installation, the boards
should be glued down and no underlay is to be used. |
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Q |
Can we install laminated over carpet? |
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A |
No, all carpet and underfelt padding
should be removed completely prior to installation. |
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Q |
What is a laminated flooring AC rating?
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A |
The Abrasion Class rating is an European
standard measure that rates abrasion resistance, impact
resistance, resistance to staining and cigarette burns, and
thickness swelling along edges. |
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Q |
How long before you can walk on the new
floor? |
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A |
Immediately. There is no need to wait for
hours. You can walk on your floor and put your furniture back in
place as soon as your floor is installed. Installations are
relatively clean. |
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Q |
How do I find a reliable Installer? |
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A |
Check, Check and Check again. Ask for
references and check on them. Ask to see previous jobs, also ask
if they have the correct installation equipment and check on it.
Most stores have a list of recommended installers, however, Elf
is a cash and carry organisation and installation errors are not
covered under the product guarantee. |
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Q |
Are laminated floors noisy in upstairs
rooms? |
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A |
Laminated floors can be installed
with sound-reducing underlay(Insulating mat), which will reduce
noise transmission. |
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Q |
Do I need a T-piece in my doorway when
doing multiple areas eg. bedroom and passage? |
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A |
T-piece must be used in all doorways and
archways, separating areas from one another. T-pieces are
available in a variety of colours to suit and match the colour
of your laminated floor. |
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Q |
Can I use a normal squeegee or mop to
clean my laminated floors? |
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A |
Only recommended mops as supplied by CTM
or Elf are to be used. Traditional mops used for tile cleaning
store too much water and continuous use will result in moisture
damage. |
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Q |
Will my laminated floor stain if I spill
a glass of red wine or cool drink? |
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A |
Laminated floors are guaranteed not
to stain, fade or wear. Simply wipe the liquid off the floor
with a clean damp cloth. Remove tough stains with daily cleaner
or stain remover. |
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Q |
How do I make a small room appear
bigger? |
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A |
A light coloured board will make the
room appear larger, whilst a darker coloured board could make a
large cold room appear warmer and cosier. The parquet pattern
boards could also make a small room appear larger. Remember that
light coloured boards do show dirt quicker and easier, and are
not recommended for installation and use in high traffic areas.
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Q |
Why is laminated flooring so popular? |
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A |
The unique ability of laminated flooring
to simulate the look of natural wood, while delivering the added
values of wear, stain and fade resistance, along with lower
costs for preparation, material and installation, have made this
product category the most rapidly growing segment of the
flooring industry. Many clients are choosing to install laminated
flooring in residential-, office- or retail areas for practical
and aesthetical reasons, often adding to the value of their
property. |
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Q |
Will there be shade differences in
different batches? |
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A |
All Elf laminated floor boards are
manufactured in Europe according to strict EMEA regulations
using the latest technology available. Boards are individualy
checked by laser for any defects and to ensure colour
consistency. |
