Hardwood flooring is an investment that promises to transform your living space with timeless elegance. With proper care and maintenance, these floors can last for decades, especially if they are installed correctly. A critical aspect of the installation process is preparing the subfloor, and the importance of a properly prepared subfloor cannot be overstated. A properly prepared subfloor ensures the longevity and durability of your hardwood floors by preventing three critical areas of failure for your hardwood floors.
Moisture-Related Issues
Proper subfloor preparation helps prevent moisture-related problems that can damage hardwood flooring. Although engineered wood is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, too much of it can affect the planks, causing warping and swelling. Installers should perform moisture readings of the room and the concrete subfloor and install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping out of the subfloor.
Installation Issues
A level subfloor is essential for a smooth and successful hardwood flooring installation. It provides a solid foundation for the hardwood planks, reducing the risk of movement, shifting, or buckling over time. Properly installed hardwood on a level surface is less prone to issues such as cupping, warping, or cracking, ensuring the flooring's durability over time. Leveling the subfloor may require sanding away raised spots, spreading self-leveling concrete, which is designed to flow and spread evenly across a surface, or a combination of the two.
Maintenance & Comfort Issues
An uneven subfloor, especially one with raised spots that haven’t been sanded or holes that haven’t been filled, can create areas that are difficult to clean or where dirt and debris may accumulate, while accelerating wear and tear in other areas of the floor. Noises, such as creaking and squeaking, are also possible where the boards are not flush and level with the subfloor.Â
Many flooring manufacturers specify requirements for subfloors in their installation guidelines. Adhering to these specifications is crucial for maintaining warranty coverage and ensuring the flooring performs as intended. Learn more about HAUTE PLANK’s Limited Structural Integrity Warranty and check out our Installation Instructions for more information.
Contact us today and discover our comprehensive collection of engineered hardwood flooring to suit any style or budget.
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