Question: Why is laminate becoming so popular?
Answer: The technology used to manufacture laminate flooring has drastically improved over the last couple of years. Laminate floor products have become thicker and considerably more durable than the big box laminate products of yesteryear. The surfaces have greater scuff and scratch resistance. Of course, as with most products, there is always good, better and best. Mitch and Julie Taylor, owners of Bram Flooring, a Rosie on the House certified partner, like a laminate flooring product called Revwood, manufactured by Mohawk Flooring. This line of flooring rivals the better and even some of the best laminates that used to be fabricated outside the United States. The current popularity also originates in the fact that it is made entirely in the USA. The product appeals to folks who want a greener flooring product.
The laminate’s core is wood from the Loblolly Pine that grows throughout the lower half of the United States in a variety of soils. This fast-growing pine comes with a lot of natural resin. Under heat and pressure, this resin acts as the laminating glue for the flooring product. One other sought-after quality is that it is low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs are the chemicals that give your home that new carpet smell when first installed. Lower VOC products are a healthier choice as they have fewer chemicals to affect indoor air quality.
Laminates differ from luxury vinyl tile (LVT), another popular floor covering, as LVT is made from polymer resins and a synthetic product.
Q: What should I consider when shopping for laminate flooring?
A: Your ability to maintain it is an important consideration.
Maintenance of laminate flooring varies based on the quality of the flooring. The top-performing products from Revwood have an extra coating, allowing steam cleaning that sanitizes the floor. LVTs cannot withstand this level of cleaning. You will need to check with your flooring provider regarding cleaning as it relates to the product’s warranty.
When it is time to select the flooring product that works well for your home, there are questions your flooring contractor should ask.
Will you live in the home year-round?
Will it be vacant for long periods? This question applies to our winter residents.
Do you have children? Their toys can damage some flooring choices. If that is the case, you may want to consider carpeting. If you have dogs, well, the thin layers of an engineered wood surface may not hold up to their nails. Stop and think about how you live in your home and what you will expect of your floor.
How do you prefer to maintain and clean your floor? Warranties are product-specific. Floors must be cleaned accordingly.
Q: What are the warranty differences for flooring?
A: Ask about the care protocols for the type of flooring you are considering. LVT is different than laminate, and not all laminates are created equal. The same questions should be asked if you are investigating engineered wood flooring, carpet types or ceramic tile.
For carpet warranty requirements, Julie Taylor gives us an example of a new “wrinkle-free” carpet product. There is a second backing that helps the carpet keep its stretch over time. Mitch says cleaning the carpet is only part of the warranty equation. The climate in your home can also affect a warranty’s validity. If you are gone for weeks or months, be sure to keep your thermostat set at 85 degrees or lower, as the heat can damage the backing and void a warranty.
Most carpet warranties require you to professionally clean with a steam extraction method on their product every six months to two years, depending on usage (think seldom used guest bedroom vs. a family room in a home with three kids). They also recommend vacuuming daily. That probably doesn’t happen in every household.
If a flooring product fails, an adjuster will likely take an onsite look at the floor. This visual inspection is usually sufficient to determine whether a product failure is due to a manufacturing issue or neglect.
Replacing flooring is an investment. Do your homework to find the flooring that will stand up to your family’s lifestyle and has a quality warranty.
