When it comes to updating your home’s flooring, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) stands out as a popular choice due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance. However, homeowners often ponder whether LVT can be installed directly over existing laminate flooring. While this might seem like a convenient shortcut, Vinyl Flooring Direct strongly advises against it. Let’s delve into the reasons why laying LVT over laminate could lead to more problems than solutions.
Understanding the Nature of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is known for its ability to mimic the look of wood or stone, providing a cost-effective alternative for homeowners. However, its construction comes with a notable characteristic: laminate floors are designed to expand and contract in response to environmental moisture levels. This “floating” nature of laminate floors means they are not anchored to the subfloor, allowing them to move slightly as needed.
The Risks of Double Layering
Installing LVT on top of laminate introduces several risks:
- Moisture Trapping: By placing LVT over laminate, you effectively create a moisture barrier atop a surface that needs to breathe. Laminate’s propensity to absorb moisture and expand could lead to buckling, not just of the laminate, but of your new LVT layer as well.
- Compromised Integrity: The floating nature of laminate means it can shift in any direction. If it chooses to expand upwards, it can disrupt the LVT above, leading to uneven surfaces and potential damage to both layers.
- Increased Costs: The allure of saving time and effort by not removing the existing laminate might be tempting. However, should both the laminate and LVT layers become damaged, the cost and effort to rectify the situation would far exceed the initial investment in preparing a suitable substrate.
Industry Perspectives on Subflooring
It’s not just laminate floors that pose a problem. Other types of flooring, such as hardwood and engineered wood, also experience expansion and contraction. Consequently, many manufacturers explicitly list these as unsuitable subfloors for LVT installation.
Installation Considerations
While some might consider anchoring the laminate by nailing or screwing it down to negate its floating nature, this approach is not without its pitfalls:
- Moisture Concerns: Even when fixed in place, laminate can still absorb moisture. This can lead to expansion that affects the LVT’s joints and overall stability.
- Structural Integrity: Securing the laminate does not address the fundamental issue of moisture sensitivity and the subsequent impact on both laminate and LVT layers.
The Professional Stance
No reputable flooring installer would recommend or agree to install LVT over an existing floating floor. The risks involved, from moisture issues to structural instability, make such an approach ill-advised.
The Safer Route
If you’re considering updating your flooring with LVT, the safest and most effective approach is to remove the existing laminate. This not only eliminates the risk of moisture-related issues but also ensures that your new LVT installation has a solid and stable foundation. Additionally, removing the laminate might reveal that your doorways are already appropriately adjusted for the new flooring, facilitating a smoother installation process.
Conclusion
While the idea of installing LVT over existing laminate might seem like a shortcut to a new floor, the potential complications far outweigh the perceived benefits. The moisture dynamics of laminate flooring, combined with the need for a stable and secure base for LVT, make it clear that removing the laminate is the best course of action. By doing so, you ensure the longevity, beauty, and safety of your new LVT flooring, making it a worthwhile investment in your home’s future.
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FAQ
Can LVT be installed directly over laminate flooring?
No, it is not recommended to install Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) over laminate flooring. Laminate’s ability to expand and contract with environmental moisture can lead to issues such as buckling, both for the laminate and the newly installed LVT.
What are the risks of installing LVT over laminate?
There are several risks, including moisture becoming trapped between the layers, leading to expansion and potential damage. The floating nature of laminate flooring can also cause instability for the LVT layer, and rectifying any damage could be costlier than proper initial installation.
Why do some manufacturers advise against installing over certain subfloors?
Many flooring manufacturers list laminate, hardwood, and engineered wood as unsuitable subfloors for LVT because they share similar issues with expansion and contraction, which can undermine the stability and integrity of the new flooring.
Is it possible to secure laminate flooring to avoid these issues?
While nailing or screwing down laminate to prevent it from floating could seem like a solution, it does not eliminate the risk of moisture-related expansion. This could still lead to instability and damage to the LVT.
What is the recommended approach for installing LVT?
The safest and most effective method is to remove the existing laminate flooring. This ensures a stable and secure base for the new LVT installation, eliminating the risk of moisture-related issues and ensuring the longevity of your flooring.