For floor covering there is a wide range of options and one of them is laminate flooring. It is a synthetic material that imitates wood and has several layers in its composition (a protective layer, a design layer, a central layer made of plastic resin, and a support layer to prevent moisture). This choice provides elegance, simplicity, and space comfort.
Guidelines for its installation
For its placement, adequate preparation is necessary. First of all, the planks must be removed from the boxes and remain out of their original wrapping so that they acclimatize (this process lasts approximately 72 hours). The floor layer of the room and the skirting boards have to be removed. As is logical, you have to measure the room and take into account that the sheets tend to expand slightly in the days following their placement. To hide the joints of the sheets, these must be arranged perpendicular to the windows of the room, since in this way the joints are hidden.
The planks are then cut with a saw. Next, the planks are assembled through the tabs that they incorporate and the two joined pieces are pressed down so that they remain together.
Guidelines for proper maintenance
Laminate floors require some maintenance. In this sense, dust must be removed regularly, for which you can use a microfiber mop, a broom with disposable dust-catching cloths or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush. With these procedures it is possible to avoid scratches on the floor caused by accumulated waste. For this type of floor it is advisable not to use cleaning systems that produce scratches, such as conventional brooms.
If liquid is spilled on the floor, it must be removed immediately, otherwise the protective layer of the floor may be damaged (a soft cloth can be used to absorb excess liquid). Cleaning the floor should be done from the back of the room outwards, since in this way there are no footsteps on the wet floor and footprints are avoided. Specialists in this material recommend cleaning it thoroughly every two months and for this you can mix a quarter cup of vinegar with a liter of water (the mixture is placed in a spray container and the solution is sprayed in small areas).
Advantages and disadvantages
These types of floors are generally reasonably priced and can be laid over most types of flooring. It is a resistant material and easy to clean. However, laminate flooring does not absorb sound and produces a hollow noise when walked on and, on the other hand, its installation in wet areas can cause the floor to deform.
Photo: Fotolia – Sandor Kacso
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