Diagnosing Peaking In A Laminate Floor

When it comes to flooring, laminate is not particularly prone to failure or damage. There are, however, various ways that a laminate floor can warp, and various reasons as to why. Here, we’ll take a look at the phenomenon referred to as peaking. A laminate floor that is peaking will seem to be rising, as if there is something underneath it. The effect is, honestly, sort of disturbing. Many folks will think that something is wrong with their foundation, or that water has somehow gotten underneath their laminate floor, but that’s rarely the case.

What Causes This To Happen?

There are a few different reasons that your laminated floor might begin peaking. It’s very important to know why this is happening before you begin trying to fix things. Don’t just assume that something that caused someone else laminate floors to peak is the reason yours is. Making this kind of assumption can cause you to waste a lot of time and money.

Lack Of Expansion Space Causes Peaking

Laminate flooring is certainly no exception from one of the most basic laws of nature, that everything expands and contracts. This is why laminate floors that are installed correctly always have space between the edge and the molding. The planks have no choice but to push against each other if they don’t have space to do anything else. They will then start to rise once enough pressure is there. Generally the effect is quite minor in the beginning, but you’ll end up with a small mountain in your home if it’s not taken care of.

Fixed Moldings Will Cause Peaking

Your laminated flooring will still be trapped, even if there is room to expand, if the molding are immobile. Finding only a few pieces of secured molding can be a real nightmare. The solid point could be any place that’s connected to the issue since laminate flooring is designed to not be attached to anything, moldings or sub-floor, something referred to as floating. Many times amateur installers fasten moldings down, either out of ignorance or because they’re trying to get the flooring to stay put while they work.

Peaking Can Be Caused By Boards Which Are Longer Than Specified By The Manufacturer

This is usually the least likely issue, and does not pertain to all laminate flooring manufacturers. Having one board that’s too long will net you the same result as not having enough expansion room. If there is no single plank that’s longer than recommended by the manufacturer, then this issue is easily avoided. However, if you didn’t do the install, you may not know who the manufacturer is. For the most part, unless your issue is in a long hallway or you have an exceptionally large home with runs of longer than 40 feet, you can probably ignore this possibility. That is, however, unless you can’t find any other places, in which case you might get stuck pulling planks and looking for manufacturer markings.

Check out Laminate Floor Facts for more information on everything about laminate floors.