Since you may be installing SPC flooring for the first time, this detail guide on what to expect from start to finish of flooring installation will walk you through the whole process.
PREPARATION for SPC Flooring Installation
In fact, this very step affects a lot in ensuring a long-lasting and professional finish. So let’s get started with some of the important parts to watch out while getting ready.
1. Sub Floor Condition
Have you got all the sub floor requirements checked? If you are still not sure about it, here’s a quick tip to define the perfect floor condition ready for installation…
2. Remove obstacles
3. Surrounding Temperature and Humidity
Here’s a quick tip on how to minimize room temperature fluctuation:
4. Acclimatize Your New Fooring
5. Get Ready With Necessary Tools
Trust me, there is nothing worse than having to pause in the middle of installation and go off looking for any tools that you’d missed out.
Here’s a list of tools commonly used for SPC flooring installation:
6. Check With Your SPC Flooring Supplier
7. Mark Your Layout
Be sure you are not skipping this step as a rough layout before installation is important to ensure a desired visual appearance.
8. Prepare A Safe Work Environment
SPC Plank Flooring INSTALLATION
Not sure which type of SPC flooring you are having? Check out our guide on type of flooring for a better understanding.
(i) Click-lock SPC Plank Flooring
To apply click-lock or floating method, your SPC plank must come with the long and short side design. So both planks can be click together and form a firm grip. You may also need to measure and cut off any extra length to fit in your area. It is advisable for you to start off your first plank from one corner of the room. Check out the step-by-step floating/ click-lock SPC flooring installation here.
Another tip that you should not missed is…
Certain brand of SPC flooring makes diy installing much easier by having planks designed to allow fitting horizontally. This is very helpful when it comes installing in narrow and difficult areas.
(ii) Glue Down SPC Plank Flooring
The main reason here is to keep moisture content under control to prevent possible installation failure or damage of flooring panels that could void your warranty. To be on the safe side, you may want to check with your flooring supplier on the suitable subfloor moisture content before installation.
Besides subfloor moisture content, you should watch out for the type of adhesive use for installation. Make sure you are applying the correct SPC adhesive.
Here’s what you should AVOID:
Similar to click-lock SPC plank installation, you should begin your glue down installation from one corner and spread to another end. If possible, try to avoid using outer force with the intention of quick bonding.
Some installers may use clamps or straps to force planks tighter together but this may cause over-strapping. Such condition will adversely affect the floor structure and lead to many flooring issues, for example seam peaking, twisted planks, poor glue-bonding and misalignment.
When applying layers of adhesive during installation, getting the right size of trowel is another important part to maximize the glue-to-board transfer.
If you do not have these information yet, do consider refer to your adhesive manufacturer for trowel size, use of moisture barriers and adhesive set time which changes according to temperature.
For the best results, you can always check with both flooring supplier and adhesive manufacturer if you have any doubts whilst SPC flooring installation. Also, check out our step-by-step glue down SPC flooring installation guide here for further reference.
SPC Sheet Flooring INSTALLATION
(i) Permanent Full Spread SPC Sheet Flooring
You should avoid placing the sheet when the adhesive is still wet. Instead, let the layer of adhesive dries a little as only a slight portion of adhesive should be transferred underneath the sheet when placing the sheet over the layer of adhesive.
Once placed the sheet on top of the adhesive, you may try to position the sheet without lifting it to avoid forming of wrinkles or air bubbles.
Be extra careful and gentle when cutting large pieces of sheets according to the size of your room to prevent tears. For a professional finish, try not to fold or crease your SPC sheets.
So which part of the room should you start your sheet SPC installation?
Many might assume that it should also begin from one corner of the room, just like click-lock and glue down installation. This is a mistake done by many others without realizing it in the beginning.
(ii) Releasable SPC Sheet Flooring
Other than its functionality, the difference during installation is the type of adhesive use and the way to apply it.
Here’s the tricky part.
You do not want to place the sheet on top when the adhesive is still wet as this will cause bubbling but at the same time you should not wait too long until the adhesive is completely dry.
The key is to make sure the layer of adhesive is dry to tack when placing SPC sheet on top. No adhesive is to be transferred underneath the sheet.
Similarly, you should always start installing from the center of the room like permanent full spread SPC sheet installation. Check out the step-by-step guide.
The best part of releasable SPC sheet installation is that it’s suitable to be installed on various sub floors due to the thin layer of adhesive. This thin layer of adhesive is not permanent and allows your SPC sheet to be removable.
But there is one thing you should bear in mind…
(iii) Loose-lay SPC Sheet Flooring
Not just that, loose-lay sheet SPC installation is suitable to be placed on surface materials that are not applicable for installation that is fully adhered, such as lightweight concrete, chipboard, particleboard, flakeboard, etc.) This method is also hassle free when you remove the sheet at the end of it’s life cycle.
To achieve the best visual appearance, you may want to try this:
In terms of functionality, loose laid SPC sheet is not able to provide the same sustainability like permanent full spread SPC sheet.
So, if you are planning to install SPC sheet using this method, do consider to install in the area with less traffic. By saying that, it’s obvious that you should not place any fixture or build-in furniture on top of the loose laid SPC sheet for better maintenance.
Here’re some other things to consider before you decide on installing SPC sheet using loose-lay method. Never go for loose-lay SPC sheet installation if:
SPC Flooring FINISHING
If you have extra planks or tiles left after installation, you may save them up and use it for any repair work in the future.
After installation, clean your site by sweeping the dirt and dust. If you applied glue-down installation method, you may want to remove traces of adhesive on the surface. Here’s what you can do…
Take a piece of cloth and wipe it with mineral spirits or remover recommended by manufacturer to gently remove it. You want to mop the floor using neutral detergent frequently to ensure adhesive residues are cleared.
Check out our flooring maintenance advice for various tips on better taking care and maintaining your SPC flooring.
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