Some common problems associated with laminate flooring include:
- Dents: Dents occur when the underlayment of the laminate floor is poorly done. They are also caused by heavy items that fall on the floor or hardened debris in the heels/soles of shoes.
- Peaking: Peaking occurs when two laminate planks bump against each other and form a joint in the shape of the letter "V". Peaking is caused by improper installation that does not allow the laminate planks space to stretch around the walls but instead forces them together.
- Scratches: Although laminate floors are highly durable, their smooth surfaces leave them prone to scratches. Anything from shoes with sharp heels to dragging furniture across the floor can be dangerous as they damage the floor and also affect the aesthetic value of your home.
- Fading: Fading occurs as a result of constant friction and exposure to sunlight. Although it does not affect the strength or durability of your laminate floor, it can adversely alter its appearance and the beauty of the room as a whole.
- Gaps: Gaps can occur as a result of improper installation or board shrinkage. When laminate flooring boards are not fitted properly, they move away from each other and make space between them. Room temperature changes usually cause board shrinkage, or if the laminate flooring boards were not adequately acclimated before installation.
- Endlifting: Endlifting occurs when the ends or edges of the laminate floorboards are raised. It is caused by excessive moisture from the underlayment, subfloor, or the laminate itself, and it can appear across a section of the floor or in isolation.
- Doming: Doming is caused by excess moisture and high humidity levels in rooms where laminate floors are installed.
- Bowing: This happens when the laminate floor has a bow running across the board's whole length, making it impossible for the boards to stay together when installed. When bowing occurs, the surface of the laminate floor is bouncy, making it uncomfortable and potentially dangerous to walk or place objects on. Bowing is typically caused by improper storage of the laminate floorboards either at the manufacturers or the retailer from whom it was purchased.
- Delamination: Delamination is the separation of the different layers of a laminate flooring board, especially the core and top surface layer.
How Much Does Laminate Floor Installation Cost?
The average cost of laminate floor installation in the United States is $6 - $15 per square foot, including the cost of materials and labor. The total cost of laminate flooring is affected by several factors including the size of the area that is to be floored and the type of laminate boards that are to be used. Some laminate floor installation cost estimates are listed below:
COST BY TYPE OF LAMINATE FLOORING PER SQUARE FOOT:
COST BY LAMINATE FLOORING FEATURES PER SQUARE FOOT:
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Laminate Floor Installation?
The cost of laminate floor installation is affected by the following factors:
What Qualifications Should a Laminate Floor Installer Have?
There are no formal educational requirements for becoming a laminate floor installer and most of these individuals learn on the job through employer-organized training and apprenticeships. Laminate floor installers also have the option of obtaining professional certifications from trade associations like the North American Laminate Flooring Association and the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association. The Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates that there are currently more than 16,000 employed floor layers in the country.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Professional Laminate Floor Installer?
It is always a better option to employ a professional laminate floor installer near you instead of a handyman or attempting to do the job yourself. Professional laminate floor installers have the necessary training required for a proper and safe installation, unlike handymen that do not have any specific training. A professional laminate floor installer is also more likely to be licensed, insured, and bonded, thereby protecting you from any work-related financial damages.
What Are Common Post Laminate Floor Installation Expenses?
The most common post-installation cost associated with laminate floor installation is the cost of replacing any baseboards that were removed before the installation. This can cost you an average of $1 - $3 to do. It is a good idea to find out whether your laminate floor installer will have to remove these baseboards before the installation job, or whether the job can be properly done with the baseboards still intact.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Laminate Flooring Problems?
It is estimated that more than 5% of insured homes filed an insurance claim in 2018. Homeowner insurance provides financial protection against property damage and liability for sudden and unexpected damages that occur in people's homes and home-related assets. These usually include fires, water damage, theft, lightning, wind, and hail damage. Therefore, if your laminate floor is destroyed by these types of perils, it is very likely that your homeowner's insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing it. However, if you are installing laminate floors for the first time in your home, or if your laminate floor was damaged by factors like lack of maintenance or old age, then your homeowner's insurance policy will not cover any of these costs.
It is always a good idea to properly understand the basics of any homeowner's insurance policy that you wish to purchase. This includes the specific types of damages to your home that the insurance policy will cover.
Can I Use Digital Payment to Pay For Laminate Flooring Repair Services?
More and more small businesses, including laminate flooring contractors near you, are willing to accept Digital payments these days. Digital payments are financial transactions facilitated over digital platforms such as credit/debit cards, digital wallet apps, QR codes, and online payments. These types of payments offer several benefits, including convenience of use, prompt credit, and enhanced security. However, before signing off on the contract, inform your installer you will be paying via one of these electronic platforms.