E03B - MATERIALS GUIDE - SELECTION
E03B-1 General & Technical Information
E03B-2 Governing standards
E03B-3 Laminate flooring
E03B-2 Governing standards
E03B-3 Laminate flooring
Preface:
This study guide covers selection requirements for laminate flooring and related materials.
1 • GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
.01 Laminate flooring manufacturers and suppliers have samples as well as technical information on their products available to the design authority. Some caution should be exercised in reviewing this material so that a laminate flooring manufacturer's particular type and installation method can be fairly compared to the same type and installation method of another manufacturer. This involves careful scrutiny of the material specifications and test data.
.02 Technical information regarding installation methods is also available from laminate flooring manufacturers and suppliers in regard to their specific products. General information on product installation is also available to a degree, from Provincial Floor Covering Associations.
This study guide covers selection requirements for laminate flooring and related materials.
1 • GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
.01 Laminate flooring manufacturers and suppliers have samples as well as technical information on their products available to the design authority. Some caution should be exercised in reviewing this material so that a laminate flooring manufacturer's particular type and installation method can be fairly compared to the same type and installation method of another manufacturer. This involves careful scrutiny of the material specifications and test data.
.02 Technical information regarding installation methods is also available from laminate flooring manufacturers and suppliers in regard to their specific products. General information on product installation is also available to a degree, from Provincial Floor Covering Associations.
2 • GOVERNING STANDARDS
.01 The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) has established minimum performance requirements for laminate flooring manufactured in North America using established testing methods that include static loading, thickness swell, impact resistance, light resistance, cleanability / stain resistance, wear resistance, dimensional tolerances, and castor chair resistance. These requirements are noted in NALFA LF-01, Laminate Flooring.
.02 The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) has established similar minimum performance requirements for flooring manufactured in Europe by endorsing the European Norm standard EN 13329. This flooring is also imported into North America.
.03 As there are differing standards and different assemblies / materials produced, designers selecting this type of flooring must satisfy themselves as to the performance, finish, and warranty requirements of each flooring product as well as the availability of material with suppliers before specifying and use.
.01 The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) has established minimum performance requirements for laminate flooring manufactured in North America using established testing methods that include static loading, thickness swell, impact resistance, light resistance, cleanability / stain resistance, wear resistance, dimensional tolerances, and castor chair resistance. These requirements are noted in NALFA LF-01, Laminate Flooring.
.02 The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) has established similar minimum performance requirements for flooring manufactured in Europe by endorsing the European Norm standard EN 13329. This flooring is also imported into North America.
.03 As there are differing standards and different assemblies / materials produced, designers selecting this type of flooring must satisfy themselves as to the performance, finish, and warranty requirements of each flooring product as well as the availability of material with suppliers before specifying and use.
3 • LAMINATE FLOORING
.01 What is Laminate Flooring?
.01 What is Laminate Flooring?
- Laminate flooring is as its name suggests a "laminate" surface floor product that consists of a surface wear layer (typically a finish coating), a thin décor or "image" layer (similar to a plastic laminate), a core layer of either medium density fibreboard (MDF) or high density fibreboard (HDF), and a bottom balancing layer. The surface and décor layers are bonded together under heat and pressure using a continuous pressure laminate (CPL) or a high pressure laminate (HPL) process and then adhered to the core, or they may be directly adhered to the core under heat and pressure using the direct pressure laminate (DPL) process.
- Note: This type of flooring should not be confused with engineered hardwood flooring sometimes referred to as laminated flooring.
- There may be any number of reasons some of which may include the following:
- For it's aesthetic appeal (appearance).
- Because it is relatively easy to install.
- Because of its cost when compared to hardwood or engineered flooring.
- Because it is easy to maintain (it generally does not need wax or polish).
- Because of its performance and durability (the flooring is quite stain resistant and will not fade from ultra-violet sunlight).
- Whatever the reason or reasons the growing use of laminate flooring, particularly in the residential market is a fact.
- Laminate flooring unlike hardwood flooring can be installed above or below grade, and over virtually any other flooring surface. It offers a long-lasting, durable, and affordable option to hardwood flooring. Because of this laminate flooring has become a popular type of flooring today.
- Although laminate flooring may look like hardwood, specific grades are not available. This because the laminate flooring décor layer is in reality only a photographic image that faithfully reproduces the grain and colour of a natural hardwood or softwood.
.03 Patterns and Finishes:- Laminate flooring is available in a variety of patterns that include wood grains (in plank and strip), natural stone, ceramic tile, and other textures.
- Each manufacturer / supplier must be consulted as to patterns and finishes available as well availability of product.
.04 Installation Types:- Laminate flooring uses a floating installation method (i.e. the floor is installed without the use of fasteners or adhesive on top of substrate) and requires a special padding underneath for cushioning, acoustical, and or moisture barrier purposes and to allow it to move freely. Such flooring comes in two types:
- Glued floating floors where the panels or tiles are glued together using a special glue applied to the tongue and grooves of each panel or tile. Some of these systems require clamping the panels or tiles together until the glue sets. (Note this type of flooring is not glued to the substrate).
- Glueless floating floors where the panels or tiles are "mechanically" locked together using tongue and grooves that have an interlocking configuration. This type is faster to install than glued floating floors. In some instance manufacturers recommend gluing end joints of panels.
- Manufacturers may supply one or both types of systems.
- Laminate flooring manufacturer's provide trims and mouldings that are either made from real wood of the same "species" and finish to match flooring, or are a fibre core material covered with the same laminate so they match the flooring.
.05 Cautions:- Although laminate floors are installed anywhere in residential applications including kitchens and bathrooms, excessive moisture may affect a floor's performance. As a general rule, it must be noted that laminate floor coverings are unsuitable for installation in rooms in which wet or damp conditions prevail or where accidental water flooding may occur, such as in bathrooms, laundry rooms, storage rooms containing hot water tanks, etc.
- Requirements regarding laminate flooring surfaces in residential or commercial areas depend largely on the type and frequency of the traffic to which the floor is subjected. When selecting the appropriate type of laminate flooring product, attention must be paid to these requirements. In all cases the manufacturers instructions and recommendations in this regard must be heeded.
- Although flooring is generally impact and scratch resistant, it can be scratched by dragging heavy objects across its surface or by pets (claw marks by large dogs).
- Although manufacturers may provide touch-up and chip repair kits, floors are not easily repaired.
.06 Laminate Warranties:- Laminate flooring manufacturers offer warranties on their products that will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. In general such warranties include the following provisions:
- Laminate flooring must be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on acceptable substrates using manufacturer's recommended underlayment, materials, and accessories.
- Laminate flooring must be installed in interior locations only.
- Any surface wear or damage that is not the result of accidents or abusive conditions such as, but not limited to, damage caused by severe impact, scratching or cutting, insects, improper alterations or modifications.
- Laminate flooring manufacturer's water resistant warranty provisions usually are limited to resistance to topical water that is cleaned up immediately. Such warranties usually exclude damage caused by washing floor (except for damp mopping), leaking appliances (including but not limited to dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators), hydrostatic pressure, overflows of fixtures resulting in surface penetration, leaky pipes or faucets, pet urine, flooding or acts of God.
- Laminate flooring manufacturer's wear warranty provisions usually cover wear, staining, and fading within a specified warranty period provided that the flooring is cleaned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Use of cleaning products and methods other than those recommended by the manufacturer may void any warranty claim.
.07 Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware):- Laminate flooring varies greatly in quality characteristics including quality of photographic décor layer image, structural integrity of joining system, moisture resistance of core board, etc. Because of this, Design Professionals and Owner's must review all of these characteristics with each product selected.
- To alleviate problems resulting from the improper selection and/or installation of laminate flooring, it is the Consumer's responsibility to be properly informed. Both the design professional and the laminate flooring dealer also have an obligation to inform the consumer of the pertinent facts in choosing an appropriate laminate flooring system.
- One way to be assured of receiving a quality laminate floor covering and a professional installation is to deal with reputable and knowledgeable firms who will charge a fair and reasonable price for all materials and installation services. Firms that are proud to provide a quality installation are aware that by doing so they have created one more satisfied customer who will return to purchase again or one who will recommend them to others.