Deflections in the laminate flooring - is this really the norm or is my master deceiving me?
Hello. Recently made repairs in the bedroom - an area of 18 sq.m. Tarket 31 laminate was laid on the floor using a 3 mm thick substrate - expanded polystyrene. Before that I did alignment with a screed. Now I observe that in certain places when pressed it is clearly visible that the floor bends somewhere by 5-6 mm. The master, who did the styling, says that this is as it should be, and such irregularities are permissible and do not exceed the norm. He also said that over time, the substrate will smooth out all these irregularities. And somehow I doubt, maybe he did a poor job? I don’t even know in other rooms to do the same floor or not?
In fact, you yourself can find the answer to your question, and very qualified and correct. To do this, refer to building codes. It just specifies the tolerance standards for screeds intended for subsequent laying of the laminate.
What do the standards say?
We will not quote verbatim, but the information presented there is of approximately the following nature:
- Improved screed - allowable deflections (not more than 2) of up to 2 mm in size per one 2-meter laminate strip.
- High-quality - no more than one deflection of up to 2 mm in size per one 2-meter laminate strip is permissible.
Attention! Be sure to take into account the backlash of the substrate up to 3 mm. This factor is precisely a characteristic feature of "floating" floors.
As a result, if everything is compared, then a total of 5-6 mm will turn out.
What could be in your particular case?
Judging by your story, there may be 2 options for the development of events:
- If deflections are detected in one particular place and not less than 6 mm, then we can talk about the presence of a mounting defect.
- If similar nuances are determined in other places, then most likely the master is right for you and soon everything will return to normal.
Note! The new laminate flooring is really characterized by irregularities due to the specific laying technology. After a certain period of time, the coating will “settle down” and the play will be minimal.
If you strongly doubt, then ask the master to open a covering. Only in this way will you be able to see what the matter is.
