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The expansion gap is a small, but very important step in your laminate flooring installation. If the expansion gap is done incorrectly, you could end up with some problems that are costly and inconvenient. In most cases, people leave no expansion gap, or too little of one. You can also make the mistake of making your expansion gap too large. Let’s discuss what can happen to laminate flooring without the proper expansion gap.
First, let’s talk about what expansion gaps are necessary for laminate flooring installations. Laminate flooring is a floating floor made from wood. This means that temperature changes and humidity can cause the planks to expand and contract, just like a solid hardwood floor. With that said, the planks need extra space on the edges to accommodate for that movement.
If there is no expansion gap, or a gap that is too small, the flooring can buckle. When there isn’t the space to move, the planks can begin to lift at the seams, creating an uneven surface and an unsightly look. Since it is a floating floor, the planks tend to contract when it is cool and expand when it is warm. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent buckling.
In order to achieve a proper and successful installation, you must leave an expansion gap between the installed planks and the wall. Typically, expansion gaps are about 1/4″ to 1/2″ and are left around all vertical obstructions; this includes walls, permanent cabinets, pipes, etc. If the proper expansion gap is not left during installation, and the planks on the sides push up against the wall, the pressure will cause planks elsewhere in the room to buckle. Buckling floors are repairable, however, they are a major inconvenience and can be tricky. To achieve the right expansion gap with your floating floor, cut the tongue off planks where they meet the wall, and use spacers to ensure that you are leaving a uniform gap. Take extra care when installing under door jambs to make sure you undercut them deep enough.
There are a few issues you can encounter if the expansion gap is too big, over 1/2″. As mentioned, the laminate can also contract. If the planks have too much space to shrink, you can end up with large gaps at the seams. This can affect the stability of the floor, but also invite dirt and debris to fill the gap. If the gaps are filled with debris, this limits their ability to expand back into the seam. Lastly, if the gap is too large, you could have trouble covering it with a molding when you go to finish the project.
Before you install your floors, be sure you have the correct spacers and ready the manufacturer instructions thoroughly to make sure your laminate floors will last for years!
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We installed pergo outlast plus in the kitchen/living room of our home (open floor plan). On the kitchen side we filled the expansion space with 3/8” backer rod, caulked and covered with 1/4 round as recommended. However, we accidentally used “Alex acrylic latex caulk plus silicone” instead of a 100% silicone caulk. Do you think the Latex caulk with silicone additive will be flexible enough to allow for proper expansion/contraction?
Hi Michael, thanks for the question. Yes, the caulk you used should be fine. It is still flexible!
If I install flush on one side of a room and leave extra space on the opposite wall, what is the likelihood that buckling will happen?
Hi Dennis, thanks for your question. Buckling can be caused by several things, but this is definitely a big factor. Not properly installing with a gap around all edges can void your warranty and cause issues. I would recommend having the gap on all edges. If the floor needs to expand on the side that there is no gap, there is a strong potential for buckling to occur.
Hi Alana,
I have a basement that has flooded a few times. Do
You think I should go with laminate flooring or do some sort of an acid stain on the concrete. Right now the wood is warped.
Hi Jared, thanks for the question. I would advise not going with a floating floor in this case, unless you will be flood proofing the basement. You’re better off working with the concrete floor if you can. Water will only cause issues for a laminate flooring and ruin it if it floods again.
Hi Alana, I live in Las Vegas where humidity is less than 20%. In the dry, desert climate, will a floating floor actually expand and contract? And if the laminate floor does expand and contract, does it make sense to install the laminate floor in the summer? Thanks.
Hi Al, thanks for your question! Do you have a consistent temperature in your home? As long as you keep your home at a level temperature, the flooring will remain the same and it is safe to install during the summer. If you happen to use windows and fans, less humidity could cause the laminate to shrink slightly. You will want to acclimate and install your floors in a consistent temperature.
Why is it needed on laminate flooring and not on any other wood such doors, skirting and architrave?
Hi Ron, thanks for the question. If you have ever had a door exposed to humidity, you’ll find it getting stuck or not shutting. Wood will typically move when exposed to temperature changes. This is the same with laminate flooring. Since it floats and moves as one piece, it is necessary to have the expansion around the perimeter. Let us know if you have any other questions about this!