Laminate installation is a "snap"
Technology plays a pivotal role in advancing business, but only about once every generation is an entire industry is affected by an innovation. Such was the case in the flooring industry in the late 1990s when mechanical locking systems were introduced into the laminate segment. This innovation has not only turned the laminate category upside down by eliminating the need for glue during installation, but it also is starting to make waves in other categories, such as wood and ceramic—and there are systems available that can even transform laying carpet into a glue-free job. But it all started with laminate flooring, and it is this category from where the bulk of innovation continues to come.
The two biggest brands in mechanical locking systems are by Mohawk’s Unilin division (Uniclic) and Välinge Innovation. While both license their patented systems to a majority of laminate manufacturers around the world, there are other patented systems in use. Glueless godsend Glueless flooring is relatively easy to install. You simply lay down the underlayment, and the floor gets laid on top of it locking together using no glue. Aside from the ease of installation, there are some important technical benefits to using this type of flooring.
Whether a consumer installs the no-glue floor or has it professionally installed, there is much less of a chance for something to go wrong during the installation. With glue-together floors, installers use straps to get the joints tight and for them stay that way until the glue dries.
While laminate flooring no loner needs to be nailed or glued down to the subfloor, it is recommended that in wet environments, such as bathrooms where water might sit on the floor for extended periods of time, the individual laminate pieces are glued to one another. Special glue provided by each manufacturer seals the edges of the exposed hardboard core to prevent moisture infiltration.
The gluing process during installation is important because too much glue can cause the flooring pieces to loosen. Not enough glue can allow water to enter the fiberboard core. And if water gets into the fiberboard problems will arise. The flooring will swell and not return to normal when it dries. Finally, allow the laminate floor to settle for at least 24 hours, especially in the wet areas where you’ve used glue.