Luxury Vinyl Plank/Laminate floor products can be more durable than hardwood, yet they do require certain kinds of care and maintenance. It is important to know that it is not scratchproof and only the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products and methods will protect the warranty. Steam cleaners will void all warranties as high temperature water will cause buckling, LVP/Laminate is installed using a “floating” method which means that there will be some minor up and down movement as well as hollow sounds across the floored areas. Trims such as T-Moldings will be installed per the manufactures recommendations. T-Moldings may not be an exact match but are made to coordinate with the LVP/Laminate planks you selected. Color, texture and images and samples seen in the design studio are representative of only a small portion of the variances that can be expected in your LVP plank flooring. An exact match to the design studio samples is neither implied nor guaranteed. Refer to the manufacturer’s Care and Maintenance Instructions for complete and detailed guidelines for protecting the warranty of your new Luxury Vinyl Plank/Laminate flooring.
Never install cabinets or other affixed objects on the vinyl plank flooring as it may obstruct the free, natural movement of a floated floor. Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry and never nail or screw anything through a floated floor.
Permanent cabinets, vanities, islands, and other similar items should be installed first. The new flooring should be installed around them, leaving the proper expansion gap required by the manufacturer. When heavy cabinets or heavy fixtures are installed on top of floated floors, the floor is being locked and not able to expand and contract.
Because laminate floors are floated and not glued to the slab, you will hear clicking, echoing and hollow sounds, particularly when walking on the surface with hard-soled shoes or heels. Since these floated floors are engineered to expand and contract with different temperature changes throughout their life, you will hear creaking and cracking noises, which are sounds associated with such expansion or contraction. The above characteristics are normal and are not defects and are not, therefore, a basis for complaints or warranty claims.
Laminate floors provide a distinct beauty and warmth to your home. Regular care will keep your floor looking new. The most effective way to care for your laminate floor is to vacuum, dust mop and occasionally damp mop.
Laminate floors are beautiful and very durable but not indestructible. Floors can dull when unattended dirt acts as an abrasive on its surface. You can avoid this by sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove loose dirt and grit. You can use a broom or, to make the job faster, use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Vacuum cleaner attachments are also useful to pick up dirt from between planks or along edges.
Placing doormats or walk-off mats at each entryway will collect excessive moisture and dirt before they enter the house. Glides or floor protectors on the bottom of furniture will prevent possible scratching or abrasion. Remember to lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling them.
Spot cleaning and occasional complete cleaning can be done using the manufacturer's recommended products. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder. Do not use soap-based detergents or mop-and-shine products. Do not wax or polish your laminate floor. Never flood the floor with water or cleaner. Laminate flooring can expand if excessive water is used while cleaning. After damp mopping, use a clean dry cloth to wipe the floor thoroughly. Tough, stubborn stains such as paint or adhesive should be removed with alcohol or acetone.
