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Maintenance FAQs (Laminate) Maintenance FAQs (Solid & Engineered)
The most important thing to consider in laying laminate flooring is the nature of the subfloor on which it is being laid. Is it even enough and sufficiently dry? For cement/ marble/ tile floors a vapour barrier (PE film) will be required. This prevents any residual moisture from the subfloor forcing its way upwards. A PE sheet, for example, designed for the purpose and available from dealers and retailers, is ideally suitable as a vapour barrier. It should be at least 0.2 mm in thickness. In addition, you will also require a separating layer in order to reduce footstep sound, for example in PU foam or ribbed cardboard. Laminate flooring can be laid not just on screed floors, however, but on existing old floors as well such as, e.g. wood, stone, ceramic, plastic, or similar. It is imperative, however, that you comply with the specific information and specifications of the manufacturer when doing so!Modern laminate flooring with click systems makes it far easier to lay a laminate floor these days. First, set out two to three lines of the panels. The first panel in a line should be at least 40 cm long. Insert wedges to make sure you have the required gap of 10 mm to the wall. Then calculate what is the best way of accommodating the width of the room. The panels in the last line should not be less than 5 cm in width, i.e. it may be necessary to shorten the panels in the first line. Then click all the panels together until you have laid the whole floor. If the laminate floor exceeds eight to ten meters in either width or length you will need to insert an expansion joint. Once the floor has been completely laid you can then fit the skirting, which are either screwed/ nailed in place or snap-fitted depending on the system.
According to the information supplied by manufacturers, carpets do not form a suitable base because the pile layer in the carpet gives way excessively under load. The joints in click systems, in particular, can be subjected to extreme loads. In principle, however, "harder carpets" are more suitable than softer types and it is advisable to contact the manufacturer of the laminate flooring in each case for advice.
If the tile surface is suitably even and meets the requirements for laminate flooring in terms of the subfloor (see above) then it is in principle possible. Any unevenness or variations in height in the tile surface can be evened out. Contact with your manufacturer to check on your specific case.
The overall visual appearance of the laminate flooring created by the individual panels is dependent on the direction in which they are laid in the room relative to the incidence of light and the main direction from which they are viewed. The direction of laying can influence the subjective appreciation of the size of the room, i.e. perceived space. It is therefore advisable to ensure that the direction of laying and incidence of light are identical when laying the floor.
The total area of laminate flooring elements can change with changes in climate. It is therefore imperative that you allow for edge joints of at least 10 mm or more in accordance with the manufacturer's/supplier's specifications and subject to the area involved.
There must always be a gap between the total floor unit created out of the individual laminate flooring elements and all fixed building components around it (walls, door frames, supply lines, pillars, etc.), i.e. an edge joint which provides sufficient leeway for the laminate flooring to move without coming into contact with those fixed building components. If the laminated flooring becomes undulated (arches) this will generally be because the floor does not have enough room to move at one or more points in the room. This is normally the result of a laying error, e.g. lack of or inadequate expansion joints or excessive moisture seepage from top, below or walls. Contact your floor layer.
Manufacturers always recommend the use of a vapour barrier (PE sheet or an insulation layer with aluminum coating) to protect the laminate flooring from rising damp coming from the subfloor. This is particularly important for rooms without cellars and in new buildings.
Yes. The new click installation systems used in laminate/ engineered floors today allows for quick replacement in case of need.
Laminate flooring is 80% wood: Wood fibers, wood chips, pulp derived from wood (paper). Wood products can be found in all three layers of the laminate floor: Decorative paper + overlay (wear layer), core layer, stabilizing layer. With the exception of the core layer each of these layers is impregnated with synthetic resin (e.g. melamine resin). These are pressed onto the core layer at high pressure and high temperature. Coverings made of synthetic resin have been used for decades in the production of kitchen and laboratory furniture, office furnishing and shop fitting. The materials are of a high-quality, are non-wearing and are outstanding when it comes to care and cleaning.
Like all wood-based products laminate flooring also contains the substance formaldehyde, which can be emitted to the air retroactively. The amount of possible emissions, however, is absolutely minimal and falls within the range of "normal background levels in room air. This is comparable with emission levels from natural wood and is well below the legally permissible limit of 0.1 ppm (i.e. 0.12 mg/m³ of air), the so-called E1 value. Against this background, therefore, laminate flooring is suitable for use without reservation even in sensitive areas such as children's rooms and kindergartens, according to the WKI.
Disposal is no problem whatsoever. Pieces left over from laying and any other individual pieces can be disposed of along with normal household waste. Where complete floors are taken up, however, these should be taken directly to the waste disposal site. Since laminate flooring is composed of 80 percent wood, it can be burnt without reservation just like other wood-based products. Thanks to new technologies it is now also possible to recycle laminate flooring. Reduced to chips or fibers, 85 percent of the mass of a laminate flooring product can be returned to the production process. As culture substrates they can even be used in agriculture and landscaping.
Laminate flooring is available with a wide diversity of decorative coverings. Wood reproduction decorative coverings are highly popular, as are reproduction stone and tile decorative coverings. Everything is possible. Be it beech, oak, elm, alder, cherry, walnut or teak virtually every type of wood can be faithfully reproduced with available printing methods.And the decorative coverings on laminate flooring come closer to their models in nature all the time: One can almost "feel" the structure of the wood on a laminate flooring board. For stone and tiles there is a choice of, e.g. marble, graphite, slate or travertine, and stone decorative coverings are now more authentic than ever with or without joints. In addition to wood and stone/tiles there are also a wide range of individual fantasy decorative coverings available too.
Thanks to its sealed surface laminate flooring is extremely hygienic. The surface coating, which is made of a particularly hard material (melamine resin), prevents dirt and bacteria from penetrating the floor. However, laminate flooring is not just hygienic it is also extremely hardwearing. You can even stub out a cigarette on laminate flooring without damaging the surface. The wear resistance of the floor is one of the reasons why it is a popular choice for commercial schemes as well, and in retail outlets, fitness studios, etc. But these qualities are also an advantage in the home, e.g. for the stairwell or in children's rooms.
The price of laminate flooring ranges from about 40 300/- Rs per ft². As for all products the maxim is "You get what you pay for. In other words, the better the quality of the floor, the higher the price. A laminate flooring product with integrated footstep sound insulation and edge water repellent finishing (special edge protection against moisture penetration) will certainly be more expensive than a simpler laminate flooring product without such additional features. However, be careful of cheap products! They often do not meet minimum standards as set out in the EN 13329 standard on laminate flooring.
 First, consider where the floor is to be laid! Is the laminate flooring to be laid in the bedroom, in the living room or in the stairwell? It goes without saying that the floor in the stairwell will be exposed to more use than in the bedroom, for example. To take this into account, the EN 13329 standard on laminate flooring specified so-called load and traffic categories. For the home there are three load and traffic categories: 21 = moderate (e.g. bedrooms), 22 = normal (e.g. living rooms), 23 = heavy (e.g. stairwells). These categories are indicated on the packaging in the form of pictograms. Look out for them when you buy! You can remove dust and dirt quickly and reliably with a brush or a vacuum cleaner suitable for hard floors. Then wipe with a very slightly damp cloth, i.e. wring the cloth out thoroughly first. Take care to ensure that no water penetrates the joints! Since the core layer of the laminate flooring is made of wood, water will cause unsightly swelling of the joints. The most suitable cleaner to be added to the water used for wiping over is laminate flooring cleaner available from most retailers. Caution! Never use floor wax or polish! They do not adhere to the resin-impregnated surface of the laminate flooring and will cause unsightly marks, streaks and lines.
Maintenance FAQs(LAMINATE):It is very easy to keep the floor clean & beautiful. Vacuum or ordinary broom is enough for daily removal of dirt.Also if you feel the need for mopping, ensure that the mop is well wrung. It should be only damp & not wet. For detailed instructions, study the maintenance and care instructions provided.
We recommend applying Span floor cleaner as per instructions to clean your floor. The same are available with us,generally in stock.
You may be using too wet a mop. Due to moisture ingress, the edges of the flooring plank may raise a bit. Retrain your maintenance staff into the correct procedure.
Incorrect cleaning agents and mops. Also we recommend following the length of groove while cleaning. Stubborn dirt in the grooves can also be removed easily with the use our laminate floor cleaners using any soft household brush. We also stock special cleaning pads and mop heads for excellent cleaning. These are available with us at a very reasonable cost.
Kindly call us for buying a fresh profile. Our installer will do the fixing.
There are special repairers available with us matching your floor, which we can use to repair the plank. And if the plank is not repairable, you have the option of replacing it with a new one should the range is in stock.
Call your Span Floors representative or the helpline. Check for any moisture/ water seepage and if spotted, have it handled immediately.
Sure! You can take the floor with you. We provide removal and reinstallation service at a cost.
Yes, you can move the floor anywhere you choose to. Just check if you would need any more material and if the same is in stock with us.
Most stains such as coffee, tea, lemonade, beer, fruit or milk, should be easily handled with the Span floor cleaner.You could also try using lukewarm water with a squirt of alcohol or vinegar. Paint, lipstick, ink tar, nail polish and so on can be removed with no difficulty using a conventional absorbent cloth and Span floor cleaner or, depending on the stain, with nail polish remover.
No, your span floor should not be waxed/ polished.
Do not drag furniture, it might scratch the floor. Use floor protector pads or soft felt on the bottom of the legs of the furniture, if needed. You should always lift & move.
By following these simple cleaning tips you will enjoy your span floor looks good for many years:-
Vacuum or broom frequently Use of Vacuum cleaning has an advantage over sweeping as broom raises the fine dust into the air which ultimately resettles again causing dirt to stick in the grains/surface Do not use too much water while mopping. It can cause the floor to swell at the joints Place walk-off mats at all exteriors entrances to capture most of the harmful dirt before it reaches the wooden floor to avoid scratches Shake out, wash or vacuum mats and area rugs frequently Place floor protector pads or soft felt on the bottoms of the legs of the Furniture and try to replace them periodically with new ones to avoid scratches. Keep pets claws trimmed Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp mop. Your Span laminate floor resists termites but is not termite proof. Always keep your premises protected from termites etc. It is recommended that you take an AMC from a reputed pest management agency In the event of accidental accumulation of a large amount of water (e.g. from a blocked drainage etc), please contact your span floor representative immediately Call us immediately and by the time our repair team arrives, handle the source of seepage. Ensure there is no possibility of electrocution.
HARDWOOD (Solid & Engineered):
It is very easy to keep the floor clean & beautiful. Vacuum or ordinary broom is enough for daily removal of dirt.Also if you feel the need for mopping, ensure that the mop is well wrung. It should be only damp & not wet. For detailed instructions, study the maintenance and care instructions provided.
We recommend applying Span floor cleaner as per instructions to clean your floor. The same are available with us, generally in stock.
More than acceptable moisture. Immediately check for moisture/water seepage and have the same handled. Normally the planks should get back to original or near original shape once they are back to normal moisture levels. However, permanent deformation may occur if the floor has been exposed to moisture for quiet some time. Call for our professional assistance in this event.
Incorrect cleaning agents and mops. Also we recommend following the length of groove while cleaning. Stubborn dirt in the grooves can also be removed easily with the use our laminate floor cleaners using any soft household brush. We also stock special cleaning pads and mop heads for excellent cleaning. These are available with us at a very reasonable cost.
Kindly call us for buying a fresh profile. Our installer will do the fixing.
Our floor refresher will help take care of the superficial scratches. The indentations are a result of heavy load stress on particular points. Avoid walking with high heels, spikes and putting other heavy, pointed things on the floor.
Call your span representative or the help line. Check for any moisture/water seepage and if spotted, have it handled immediately.
Depends on the installation. Installations without glue can generally be removed and reinstalled. You may have to buy some new material. Please check with us.
Depends on the installation. Installations without glue can generally be removed and reinstalled. You may have to buy some new material. Please check with us.
Use Span hardwood floor cleaner. For stubborn stains, please refer to the detailed maintenance & care instructions.
No. Your span hard wood floor is pre polished and should not be waxed. Dullness and superficial scratches can be handled using a floor refresher available with us.
Do not drag furniture, it might scratch the floor. Use floor protector pads or soft felt on the bottom of the legs of the furniture, if needed. You should always lift & move.
Call us immediately and by the time our repair team arrives, handle the source of seepage. Ensure there is no possibility of electrocution.
It is normal for gaps to show in hardwood floors and is not a defect. This happens because of humidity variations due to climate. Low humidity will cause gaps due to shrinkage while higher than usual humidity will cause swelling. Generally the gaps should reduce/close during normal humidity periods. Also It normally takes hardwood flooring around one year to fully acclimatize.
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