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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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Our builder is telling us that an expansion gap is needed across the main entrance 6’ in from front door , I was under the impression it is only needed around the perimeter
Hi Don. With floating laminate and vinyl flooring, you would need expansion gaps through out the project size. We recommend to have an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room as well as transition pieces at all door ways. You will also need transitions in areas that span larger than 30 feet. Also always check with the manufacturer of the product you are using to make sure you are following their directions.
Hi
I have a tiled area that I am looking to transition a laminate floor against a steel tile strip. I put a steel plate strip on the length of the tile. I am hoping to join the laminate flush up against the strip on the narrow end of the laminate plank. I understand that the laminate may need room to expand, but will it get that from the 8-10 mm i leave on the other 3 sides ( 2 sides and far end) of the room?
Hi Al, yes, it should be fine here as long as you have room to move on the other edges.. It seems like your strip is acting as a transition.
My vinyl plank flooring was installed without the use of any spacers. The installer basically “eyeballed” the amount of space he left between the flooring and the baseboards. The “spacing” around the perimeter is erratic. Will this cause for gaps to form?
Hi Terri, thanks for the question. Vinyl flooring tends to expand less than a laminate, but if you have big changes in temperature or humidity, it could lead to an issue. Try to keep your temperature consistent and you should be ok!
My installer didn’t leave a consistent 3/8 inch gap on all walls. This is what I did. I removed the baseboard, filled the gap with backer rod, reinstalled the baseboard 1/4 inch above the laminate and installed quarter round to hide the 1/4 inch gap. Was this an adequate solution ?
Hi Dave, thanks for reaching out. I am a bit confused with your question. The 3/8 inch gap would have been fine in your situation. No need to fill in any gaps, as the floor will need to expand.
Hi my floor was installed with no expansion gap, anyway I can fix that without taking the floor up?
Hi Dan, thanks for the question! You will not need to take the whole flooring up, but you will need to uninstall the last row of planks and cut them for the expansion. This will require taking up the edge moldings and then the last plank around the whole perimeter. You’ll be able to just re-click them into place after you cut them to leave an expansion gap.