Laminate flooring is one of the most versatile solutions for many homes – inexpensive, simple to fit, and impossible to select the wrong design. However, the toughest laminate either has its pliability exceeded or succumbs to wear and tear. If you are asking yourself is my floor is worn out read on to read a detailed guide on how to notice when the floor is worn out, common questions answered, and whether a new floor is needed.
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How Often Should You Replace Laminate?
On average, laminate floors have a lifespan of 10 to 25 years, depending on the traffic of people and frequency of cleaning. Floors getting a lot of use such as the corridors or the lounge may look shabby within a few years while the floors in bedrooms or any other less used area could look as good as new after many years.
However, longevity is not an issue to be considered here and now. However, if your floor gets some signs of damage or looks worn out before reaching this marker or if you no longer find it fitting into the décor of your house, then you might have to get a new one before then.
How Do I Know If I Need New Flooring?
As commonly known, it is not very easy to determine when to replace your laminate flooring, but some indications cannot be overlooked.
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Chips and Cracks
Small nicks or scratches might not seem like a big deal, but when they add up, they can make your floor look tired and damaged. If cracks start appearing, it’s a sign the floor has reached its limit. -
Water Damage
Laminate and moisture don’t mix well. Warping, bubbling, or buckling often point to water damage that’s not easy to fix. -
Fading
Sunlight can take a toll over time, leaving parts of your floor looking faded or uneven in colour. This can make even a relatively new floor appear older than it is. -
Peaking or Gaps
If you notice planks pushing up against each other (peaking) or separating to create gaps, this could mean the floor has expanded, shifted, or been installed incorrectly. -
Smells You Can’t Ignore
A musty odour might suggest mould or mildew under the floorboards, especially if there’s been a history of spills or leaks.
How Long Should a Laminate Floor Last?
The duration of laminate can either be short or long depending on the type of laminate flooring and how it is being used. The materials located at the lower price point are likely to start looking shabby after about 8-10 years of use, while laminated flooring that is of better quality can last a homeowner between 15 and 25 years.
But once the laminate has worn out, it is not a material that you can have repaired. While hardwood floors are real wood and can be sanded and re-finished if they are damaged or worn out laminate does not give the option of being able to do this. If the top layer is rubbed out or if the boards are in some way impaired, they have to be changed.
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How Do You Check Laminate Flooring?
Regularly checking your floor can help you catch problems early. Here’s what to look for:
- Walk and Inspect: Look for visible signs of damage like scratches, dents, or bubbles. Pay special attention to high-traffic zones or areas near doors.
- Run Your Hands Over It: Feel for any uneven spots that might indicate buckling or warping.
- Press and Listen: Gently press down on planks to check for movement or creaking, which could mean the floor is loose or poorly installed.
- Look at the Edges: Check the seams and edges for lifting, gaps, or fraying.
- Trust Your Nose: Odd smells, particularly musty ones, could point to moisture problems beneath the surface.
Final Thoughts
Laminate flooring is good-looking and very tough however it has a life expectancy. As much as some of them are designed to last longer with proper cleaning and maintenance, no floor is immune to wear out. Laminate floors might require replacement if they are scratched, starting to curl or you simply don’t like how they look anymore. Furthermore, one should not deny himself all those comforts and a home which should meet both, the functional as well as the comfort needs.
