Easipay Flooring Logo in Orange

Get In Touch:

03303 332360

Easipay Flooring Logo in Orange
blog banner: Why does laminate flooring separate?

What Causes Laminate Flooring To Separate?

Laminate flooring is a popular flooring choice because of its durability, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal. However, like all types of flooring, it can experience issues, one of which is the planks separating or creating gaps. This separation can detract from the floor’s appearance and lead to further damage if not addressed. This blog post will explore the reasons behind the separation of laminate flooring, how to prevent it, and solutions to fix it if it occurs.

Understanding Why Laminate Flooring Separates

Several factors can contribute to the separation of laminate flooring planks. These include environmental conditions, installation errors, and material defects. Here’s a detailed look at each cause:

1. Environmental Changes

Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations: Laminate flooring can expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature. If the indoor environment isn’t controlled, these fluctuations can cause the planks to separate or buckle. Low humidity causes the planks to shrink and pull apart, while high humidity can make them swell and push against each other, potentially leading to separation when the pressure is relieved.

2. Improper Installation

  • Inadequate Expansion Gaps: Laminate floors require a small gap around the edges of the room to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the material. If these expansion gaps aren’t provided, or if they’re too small, it can cause the flooring to buckle and separate.
  • Incorrect Locking: If the laminate planks were not correctly snapped or locked together during installation, they might gradually separate over time under normal stress and foot traffic.

3. Subfloor Issues

  • Uneven Subfloors: An uneven subfloor can create points of pressure on the laminate planks above, leading to separation.
  • Moisture in the Subfloor: Moisture from below can also cause issues. If the subfloor is damp, it can affect the laminate planks directly above it, causing them to warp or separate.

4. Wear and Tear

  • Heavy Foot Traffic: Areas that are subject to heavy foot traffic are more prone to experiencing separation due to the constant stress and movement on the planks.
  • Furniture Movement: Frequent moving of heavy furniture can exert pressure on the planks, causing them to shift and separate.

Preventing Laminate Flooring Separation

Control Indoor Climate

Try to maintain a stable indoor climate with humidity levels between 30% and 50% and temperature within normal living conditions. Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as necessary.

Proper Installation

Ensure that laminate flooring is installed with appropriate expansion gaps. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation to ensure that all planks are properly aligned and locked. Make sure the laminate is installed flat on the floor with quality underlay beneath it, not installed over another flooring type.

With Easipay Flooring you get professional installation as standard – more on that later!

Subfloor Preparation

Before installing laminate flooring, make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Any irregularities should be fixed prior to installation to provide a stable base for the planks.

Use Quality Underlay

Installing a good quality underlayment can help stabilize the flooring and reduce the risk of separation due to subfloor moisture or minor unevenness.

How To Fix Separated Laminate Flooring

Reinstallation Of Planks

If you notice gaps between planks, try to gently tap them back into place using a mallet and a tapping block. Be careful not to damage the edges of the planks.

Replacing Damaged Planks

In cases where planks are damaged or the locking mechanisms have failed, replacing the affected sections may be necessary.

Addition of Moulding or Transition Pieces

Sometimes, adding moulding or transition pieces where the gaps occur can help cover and close up the separation effectively.

In Conclusion

Separation in laminate flooring can be a frustrating issue, but understanding the causes and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring. By controlling environmental factors, ensuring proper installation, and using quality materials, you can maintain the beauty and durability of your laminate floors for years to come. If gaps do appear, addressing them promptly with the appropriate repair techniques will help preserve the integrity and appearance of your flooring.

If you’re still on the hunt for new flooring, why not give us a try? Easipay Flooring offers great prices on high quality flooring, including laminate, vinyl and carpets. We also offer free underlay for carpets and laminate, and to make buying your new flooring more manageable we’ll also let you split the cost into instalments over time too, interest free! Tap the button below to get started.

Still Got Questions? Here's 10 FAQs!

The ideal humidity level to prevent laminate flooring from separating is between 30% and 50%. Maintaining this range helps minimize expansion and contraction of the flooring.

You can use a long level or a laser level to check for evenness across your subfloor. Any dips or peaks should be filled or ground down to ensure a flat surface, which helps prevent separation.

Expansion gaps for laminate flooring should generally be about 10mm wide around the perimeter of the room, including against all walls and fixed objects.

Small gaps can often be closed by carefully tapping the planks back into place using a mallet and a tapping block. Ensure to protect the plank edges to avoid damage.

It’s best to use an underlayment that is specifically designed for laminate flooring. Quality underlayment can help absorb minor imperfections in the subfloor and reduce the risk of separation.

For separations near doorways, consider installing a T-molding transition strip. This not only covers the gap but also allows the flooring on either side of the doorway to expand and contract independently.

To replace a damaged plank:

  • Remove the baseboard and work back to the damaged plank by carefully unlocking the planks.
  • Replace the damaged plank with a new one and then reassemble the floor.
  • Replace the baseboard.

Laminate flooring should acclimate for at least 48 hours in the room where it will be installed. This helps the flooring adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity levels.

Yes, heavy furniture can cause pressure on laminate flooring, potentially leading to separation. Use furniture pads to distribute the weight evenly and avoid dragging furniture across the floor.

Signs to watch for include:

  • Changes in humidity or temperature not controlled.
  • The appearance of slight gaps at plank edges.
  • Creaking sounds when walking on the floor, which might indicate movement among planks.