It's not that bad of an idea; it also gives you a cause for redecorating and refreshing your interiors. Yes, floating floors will settle in time. Don't worry about it.
On the downside, however, floating floors are prone to faster wear than its counterpart. Floating floors generally incorporate thinner materials that cannot be sanded — often leading to a shorter lifespan.
A floating floor can have a slight bounce or give underfoot, but it should not feel excessively bouncy or unstable.
Basically the floor can expand as a whole but if it runs into resistance - like say if there was not a sufficient expansion gap around the floor - it has no where to go so pressure goes into the joins and can pop them open. The softness could be caused by dips in the subfloor, or maybe the subfloor itself flexing.
On average, laminate flooring can last 15 to 25 years with proper care and maintenance. However, some higher-quality laminate floors can last even longer, potentially up to 30 years.
The Risks of Water Damage
Laminate flooring is not waterproof, which means that it is susceptible to water damage. If water gets underneath the flooring, it can cause the planks to swell, warp, or buckle.
A laminate or wood floor will 'bounce' when there is a substantial gap between the underside of the wood/laminate plank and the sub-floor. The feeling of bounce is caused by the flooring moving downward when weight is applied (stepped on).
If the plank doesn't move or shift under pressure, it's a good sign that the installation is secure and stable. However, if you notice any movement or shifting, it's best to give the planks a bit more time to settle before walking on them.
Usually, the cause is one of three things: The flooring wasn't acclimated properly before installation. The planks were pinched or locked in. The subfloor had excessive moisture during the installation.
Causes of Bouncy Floors in Your Home
Over Spanned Joists: Joists supporting floors above crawl spaces may be spaced too far apart or be too long, causing excess flexing. Inadequate Support: Insufficient support structures like poorly installed or shifted posts and beams can lead to bouncy floors.
The boards actually hover over the subfloor, floating instead of being glued into place. That gives laminate a unique feature of being able to move in the moment it's in place. Heavy furniture won't hurt the structure of the flooring because its “locked” feature is what gives it its strength.
Floating vinyl plank floors are a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bedrooms. If you are laying floors in a large and expansive area, a glue down flooring application can provide more durability. Of course, glue-down applications are appropriate for smaller rooms as well.
Temperature fluctuations, humidity changes, inadequate acclimation, bad laminate flooring installation, and uneven subflooring are among the culprits.
Doorways are a common cause of floating floor failure, therefore special attention should be given to the installation in these areas. When installing in wet areas, caulk around the perimeter using a permanently flexible silicone sealant. Avoid acrylic caulking. Do not fill in the expansion gap with sealant.
How does a floating floor stay in place? Floating floors connect at the seams using a tongue and groove or interlocking system. Once installed, the weight of the floating floor keeps the floor in place for years.
Soft spots on the floor indicate that there may be underlying damage to your home. These problems will likely only get worse and could be an indication of a much larger problem taking place. Working with crawl space experts can help you resolve your home's issues before they become more serious.
What are the problems with floating floors? Floating floors can be susceptible to moisture and humidity, which can cause warping or buckling. They also tend to be more prone to gaps between planks due to their lack of attachment.
Start by drying out the affected area using fans or dehumidifiers. If the swelling is minor, you may be able to fix it by gently tapping the swollen boards back into place using a rubber mallet. However, if the swelling is severe, you may need to replace the damaged boards altogether.
It's best to allow sheet vinyl flooring to settle for at least 24 hours after installation to ensure the adhesive cures properly.
Like luxury vinyl, carpet and laminate that is not glued to the subfloor can be walked on immediately. Brands that must be glued down are not ready for furniture for at least 24 hours.
It's not that bad of an idea; it also gives you a cause for redecorating and refreshing your interiors. Yes, floating floors will settle in time. Don't worry about it.
Fixing a bouncy laminate floor involves addressing any underlying issues such as an uneven subfloor or inadequate underlay, and may include solutions like using a floor levelling compound or replacing damaged boards.
Any new laminate floor product, including Swiss Krono, needs to sit in your house for at least 48 hours in the room it will be installed in order to acclimate or to become accustomed to a new climate or conditions.
A floating floor with great materials, structure, and properly cared for may last anywhere from 40 to 80 years or even more. If you're using thin and low-quality floorboard planks, expect a shorter floor lifespan.