Knowing the things to ask is considered part of your right as a consumer. After all, the more you know, the better you can compare your selections before making any purchase. Most importantly you can make sure that you are paying extra for the quality you desire. Here are the top 19 questions you should ask your flooring supplier…
1: Do you provide free on-site measurement and quotation?
2: The actual sample is slightly different from the images on your website. Why is that so?
- Look for product sample at the showroom.
- Order a few samples and get them deliver to your house. Some suppliers are able to provide samples with variation for free.
Just call up and see what could they offer you.
3: Should I purchase SPC flooring from the internet?
What’s more? Some of the description of the product might not be detailed enough and you may end up buying the type of SPC flooring less suitable. In this case, the outcome might be different from your expectation.
By saying that, it is definitely worth spending some time either to call up or walk-in and talk with professionals of your flooring supplier before making any purchase. The retailers are normally installation professionals who understand the products and will be able to provide you valuable details and suggestions.
4: Can I fit or install myself?
5: Are there possible preparation steps can be done prior to SPC flooring installation?
- Acclimatize your SPC flooring under stable room temperature by removing the packaging and lay the SPC pieces flat in the room.
- Most of the products require a 24-hour acclimatization, except for loose-lay and click-lock which require a 48-hour acclimatization.
- Temperature before, during and after installation should be maintained the same.
Check out our ‘Quick & Easy Installation Guide For Your SPC Flooring Installation’!
6: Which type of SPC flooring best fits my house?
Depends on the amount of traffic, you would also want to choose a heavy-duty SPC flooring in high traffic area like corridor or living room. Can’t find a balance between functionality and visual appearance? Remember to always seek for help from your flooring supplier as they are expert in this and know their product best. Just inform your flooring supplier or retailers about it and they will be able to come out with good recommendations that meet your need.
7: Can SPC flooring be installed over existing floor?
- Dry, free of dust and dirt
- Well-leveled, flat and smooth
- Firmly installed and not loose.
Always refer to your floor supplier if you have any doubts.
8: Can I install SPC flooring outdoor?
9: Is SPC flooring suitable to be fit on staircase?
10: Can I use SPC flooring on wall or ceiling?
Certain brands or type of SPC floor do not support such application. You may seek advice from your flooring retailers for a better understanding.
11: Can SPC flooring be installed close to open fire?
Not just that.. In fact, SPC flooring is able to resist and even stop the burning when flame is being removed. However, SPC flooring is sensitive to heat. It may be permanently deformed, scarred or damaged when it comes to contact with high temperature surfaces, cigarettes and matches. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with any heat surface or appliances.
12: WIll SPC flooring impacts on indoor air quality (IAQ)?
SPC flooring manufacturers with certification that comply with the local authority standard will have a lower level of VOCs, which is definitely a safer choice as they are committed to provide a healthier indoor air quality.
13: Does SPC flooring needs to resand and recoat?
14: How should I look after and maintain my SPC flooring?
15: What are the things included under the SPC flooring warranty?
Residential warranty term length is longer than commercial warranty. Depending on the quality or grade of SPC flooring, some residential warranty period can covered up to 25 years or even a lifetime. Whereas commercial warranty only last for 5 to 7 years normally. So let’s see what’s generally covered by the warranty:
- Discolor or stained bottom-up from underlayment, alkali, mold or mildew growth.
- Curling of SPC edges
- Rip or tear from normal household use
- Wear through
- Manufacturing defects
- Permanent indentation caused by normal household use.
16: What about the things that are not covered?
(i) Damage due to Improper installation.
Problem like this can be prevented easily if you do your preparation well before installation. Including suitable sub-floor condition, proper handling and transportation, acclimatizing your SPC as well as storage condition.
(ii) Damage during Non-traditional installation
This means intricate pattern and style, application on wall, ceilings, outdoor or purposes other than flooring installation.
(iii) Moisture related issues
Issues like buckling, checks, cupping, crowning, gapping, peeling, seam swelling, twisting or warping due to lack of moisture or high moisture. Therefore, watch out for spills, leaking pipes, pets, subfloor moisture and avoid wet mopping to spare yourself from all this moisture related headaches.
(iv) Other site or surrounding condition
Extreme condition like exposure to heat, sunlight, sand will cause long-term damage towards your SPC flooring and this can not be claimed under warranty. Improper maintenance, misuse, scratches and indentations of SPC floor caused by pets, furnitures, heels, appliances and toys are normally not covered as well.
(v) Reduce in glossiness
Sad to tell you this, but most of the flooring supplier or manufacturer do not consider loss of fade of glossiness is a defect itself. So… you can claim on this.
17: How thick should my SPC flooring be?
- Room or space to be installed
- Type or condition of your subfloor.
If your subfloor is not in good condition and require some additional support, by all means, choose a thicker SPC.
- Expected foot traffic for the area to be installed.
Heavy traffic areas like hallway, kitchen, living room or foyers may require thicker SPC flooring. Don’t forget to always seek for professional advices from your flooring retailers when in doubt.
18: How long does the installation takes?
Not to forget… the size of your room is also another determining factor to the duration you need to complete the installation.
19: Glue down or Click-lock mechanism? Which is the best?
- Prolonged lifespan
- Quick installation
- Free of toxic released into the air from the usage of adhesive
- Not causing damage to sub-floor/ existing floor
- Hassle-free installation
Still Some Questions Are Missing?
If you are would like to know the differences between SPC flooring & laminate flooring, check out our blog on ‘Laminate vs. SPC Flooring: Which Is Better? This Will Help You Decide!’ to learn more!
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