What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a common term used for a floor covering developed in Europe in the late 1980’s by a group of highly innovative plastic laminate manufacturers. Using existing laminate plastic (HPL) technology and coupling this with new hard wearing overlays, such as those used for the covering of spacecraft, a new highly wear resistant laminate was produced.

This laminate being suitable for use as a floor covering was then bonded to thin 7 or 8 mm high-density fibre board (HDF), cut into convenient size panels, tongue and grooved and packed ready for use.

Since the 80’s amazing developments have taken place as evidenced in the latest innovation namely the "SNAP" method of locking panels together without the use of clamps and the reliance on glue.

The Snap technology is now used in the range of laminate flooring products currently offered by Trojan Timbers namely Euro-Loc Trojan floor and Big foot.

The surface is very hard wearing. To give you an example laminate Plastics (HPL) are tested for wear using a test called a taber test. This is done by attaching an abrasive paper to a rotating disk and the number of revolutions counted to determine:-

1. The initial point where damage is initially noted (IP) and
2. The final point (FP) where 90% of the decorative layer has been destroyed

The mean value of the two is then known as the (AT).

To put Trojan and Euro-Loc flooring into perspective a standard laminate plastic (HPL) bench top will show a mean value (AT) rating around 250 to 600 revolutions depending on grade as compared with Trojan and Euro-Loc flooring with an (AT) of 12000.

All products will scratch and Trojan and Euro-Loc is no exception. It is a matter of relativity and common sense.

For example, glass, which is possibly one of the hardest surfaces made, will, if subjected to abuse, scratch.

Laminate floors will scratch superficially if they are subjected to heavy grit and stones, as will any floor. It is however highly unlikely that the scratch will be sufficient to penetrate the surface.

It is recommended that where heavy traffic is forecast, especially in entrance ways where outside grit can be brought in on shoes, that a Mat/Rug be used to enable shoes to be cleaned before entering.

Normal day-to-day traffic including stiletto heels will not harm or mark the floor, subject to the heel plates being free from exposed nails.

Remember common sense needs to be used when this question arises.

Unless the dog has very sharp and very hard claws and weighs a ton, no harm will come to the floor.

Laminate floors are designed to take normal every day traffic giving far superior wear over standard timber floors.

No problems, cigarettes will not harm the floor.

In very light colours a slight browning may occur if the cigarette is left to burn along its entire length remembering that the heat at the tip of a cigarette is 1300 degrees.

Stains are a thing of the past. Most stains can be removed with traditional cleaners (refer instructions in each pack).

The most controversial question of all. Laminate flooring is easy to clean, as most things will not stick to the surfaces. If the product to be removed from the floor is dry then the logical means of removal is by way of a vacuum cleaner or a static dry mop.

For caked on dirt, food spills and every day grime, use a damp mop. We would recommend a "Vileda" mopping system or similar. Use very hot water with a capful of methylated spirits to help the moisture evaporate.

On no account pour water over the floor or use a "wet" mop.

No, surface water will not affect the floor.

It is to be remembered that Laminate floors are 98% wood and wood can be affected by exposure to excess water.

To minimise this problem the substrate used in the manufacture of Trojan and Euro-Loc and Big Foot are made from very low swelling moisture resistant Aqua 6 HDF.

Even so, flooding and the use of excessive water and liquids could have a detrimental effect on the product which could result in the substrate swelling slightly and, as such, it is recommended that excessive water and spills be removed as soon as possible.

Care also needs to be taken given as the floor is a floating floor and we do not want water to seep under the floor as this could lead to smells etc which is why laminate floating floors are not recommended in bathrooms or saunas.

Whilst technology is producing excellent results it must still be remembered that Trojan and Euro-Loc is still a wood based product and is subject to movement, regardless of how small the movement is.

If a plank of Laminate Floor expands 1 mm per metre and you are laying say an 8 metre length, which is quite common, the total overall movement would be 8 mm.

This is why care must be taken to leave at least a gap of 10 mm around all fixed objects to ensure freedom of movement.

Generally, yes.

Apart from making laying easier, most expansion is continuous.

Whilst the distance between a floor may only be say 900 mm, the length the other way can be considerable. Movement is multidirectional and not in one direction only.

Expansion joints must be planned in accordance with the help of a certified installer.

Yes, this is true and for a good reason.

As there is nothing under the flooring other than the foam, a slight echo sound occurs when floors are walked on with hard-soled shoes.

The positive aspect of this is that floating floors are extremely user friendly in that they act as a cushion and, as such, are very forgiving on the legs.

With the advancement of technology in this field there are available very good acoustic underlays to alleviate this noise. Please contact Trojan Timbers for more information.

In a floating floor situation, yes.

90% of problems with moisture on timber floors is moisture coming from below not above.

Using the correct underlay and moisture barrier will help eliminate such a problem occurring.

A moisture barrier is not required when laying over existing timber floors or particle board flooring.

No. The floor is already finished and requires no further treatment. If, after many years, there are signs of dulling, a product incorporating a revitalising agent can be used.

Can I put Polyurethane over the floor?

On no account apply any stain or varnish on the floor.

Apart from the fact that is not necessary, it will only come straight off given as the floor is designed to repel foreign materials.

Products produced by Kaindl are of the best of quality for the job in question.

Kaindl (the manufacturer of Trojan Floor, Euro Loc and Big Foot ) being a founding member of the European Producers of Laminate Flooring, have been a strong advocate of producing manufacturing standards and criteria to ensure customers are getting what they pay for.

Not all laminate flooring is the same and care must be taken to ensure that the product you are purchasing is the right product for the job. If in doubt, please phone Trojan Timbers.

The symbol tell all, e.g.:-

Symbol category.

1. Utility classes or service categories.

The darkened pictograms determine the products use.

Trojan and Euro-Loc is classified in service class 31 for use in light industrial e.g. hotel rooms, small offices, conference rooms, kitchens and all domestic/private use. These symbols replace the abrasion ratings (Taber test) which alone does not give adequate insight into the quality and gives no indication of recommended use.

Beware of bogus Taber ratings and ensure you understand their significance, i.e. IP FP or AT. Some companies boast high Taber ratings but, when questioned, it is often found these are FP ratings and, as such, are meaningless.

Summary.

EN – 13329 is the testing criteria used to determine the category. More than 20 extensive tests are carried out under extremely controlled and monitored procedures.

-31 is the service category code.

/AC3 is the abrasion resistance. IP must be greater than 2500.

IC2 is the impact resistance minimum 15N/1000. (Drop ball test)

General headings.

Suitable for wheel chairs.

Stain resistant.

Easy maintenance.

Fade resistance.

Cigarette proof.

Resistant to wear.

Suitable for use over under floor water heating.

Impact resistance.

Q1 conforms to international smoke emission standards.

B1 highest flammability standard – not easily inflammable.

E1 low standard formaldehyde before coating.

Yes literally over any floor other than carpet or carpet tiles.

In the case of carpet this should be removed and the floor vacuumed prior to the laying of the foam.

Vinyl and linoleum, no reason to remove, even if they are torn and worn. The foam underlay will take up most variations.

However if the old floor is full of large holes and there are areas of rot, these should be removed and repaired prior to laying.

Concrete floors with a discrepancy factor of say 3 mm per 3 metres should be filled using self levelling cement renders.

It is to be remembered that the floor will follow the base and if the floor has to span a dip then the quality of the lay will be affected to cause a bouncing effect which may ultimately result in the join giving way.

New concrete needs to be dry prior to installation.

Recommended to installed by a certified and licensed installer.

Obviously it is easier to lay a room if it is clear of furniture.

However it is possible to move the furniture to one side of the room, lay the other half and move the furniture onto the laid area, given as there is no glue to worry about. Please contact your certified installer for more information.


Can I get someone to lay the floor for me?

Yes, 

Trojan Timbers have our own in-house commercial division. Contact Trojan Timbers for more details.

This is understandable and, as such, contact your certified installer.

Yes small scuffs, scratches and chips can be repaired using standard colour fill repair kit.

These kits are available on request from Trojan Timbers.

For more serious damage, special tools are required and this is best done by a professional. Again, seek advice from your certified installer.

Yes Trojan and Euro-Loc flooring is guaranteed for normal wear and tear, for up to 15 years.