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Vinyl Categories: Characteristics & Quality |
- Sheet Vinyl - 6' and 12' (Solid vinyl - high end - low end with fillers). Old Vinyl - parameter glue. Felt Back - full spread,
- Cushion Vinyl or Fiber Floor - 12' and 13' 2" - Excellent with moisture, water- loose lay or full spread with pressure sensitive adhesive, soft, warm, great looks!
- LVT - Luxury Vinyl Tile - custom sizes, 13" X 13", 16" X 16" – limestone composites with vinyl to solid vinyl (Alumni Oxide)- high end, can be grouted. Thick wear layer of 20 to 40 mils with exceptional performance. Register surface texturing - realistic looks.
- VT - regular 12" X 12" Vinyl - can be high end marbleized looks.
- PS - Peel and Stick - 12" X 12" cheap to high end.
- VAT - Vinyl Asbestos Tile - 9" X 9" .080 gauge or 1/8" - stopped producing after 1970's (Kent Tile) - black asbestos.
- VCT - Vinyl Composition Tile - 12" X 12" - commercial look,limestone and vinyl mix, color goes through, inexpensive - Very Durable. Replaced the niche VA products filled. Recycled content, no volatile organic compounds (VOC) and low off-gassing Installation Techniques.
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High End - usually solid vinyl which means color throughout, not just printed on. Thicker wear layer, heavier warranted to 30 years. It repels dirt, is scuff resistant, and takes considerably more abuse.
Low end - vinyl is thin, shallow wear layer over a felt or vinyl backing. Pattern is printed on surface and top layer is clear vinyl. It may seem brittle or stiff and could be subject to breaking or tearing. Life expectancy is short---usually 5 years or less depending on traffic. |
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Installation Techniques
Float Only- Locking
Where can laminate be installed?
On Grade, Above Grade and Below Grade
Laminate can be installed anywhere as long as the sub-floor (either - concrete or plywood) is even. If it is uneven, we recommend you have a FLOORING EXPERT inspect your sub-floor prior to ordering any material. Laminate can also be installed in any room where the relative humidity can be controlled. I and as long as the there is not excessive moisture or humidity issues.
Uneven Sub - Floors ISSUES
If a laminate floor is installed on an uneven sub-floor, you may notice "soft spots" when the floor is walked on. Soft spots are when the floor depresses or sinks in when it is walked on because there is space btween the bottom of the laminate board and the actual sub-floor. They can be minor to major in nature demanding upon the severity of the uneveness in the floor. If the soft spot is severe (if using a thinner laminate like a 6-Mil to 7-Mil) it may comprise the locking system of the laminate board or plank. There are ways to deal with minor issues that can arise but the best way to handle the situation is to follow the manufactures recommendations.
Moisture and Relative Humidity ISSUES
Remember laminate is like humans in the fact that if likes to be comfortable. So if it is hot and humid in the house for extend periods of time, the laminate may react by taking on excessive moisture and actually start peeking at the seams. It is recommended that the temperature of the room be controlled by heat and air conditioning. In severe cases of very dry environments, a humidifier maybe needed. Again, refer to the manufacturers specifications.
Let us know, if you have any other questions or concerns, we are knowledgeable and we are ready to help you here at FLOOR TOWN. Call us at 201-261-8848. |
Laminate is made of a High Density Fiberboard - HDF.
- Sub- floor requirements - plywood or concrete is fine
- Must install over foam underlayment
- A Moisture Barrier is required when installed over concrete
Quality & Price - (Low- High) - Questions? CALL US NOW at 201-261-8848
- Flat looking - embossing, planks, beveled edges
- Traditional/ Contemporary- Hand Scrapped
- Thin versus Thick (6.5 Mil to 13 Mil)
- DPL (Direct Pressure) vs HPL (High Pressure)
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