SPC floor has always been known as the "stability of the big guy", but if you slightly neglect it, it will begin to "swell". However, don't worry, it is not difficult to prevent this swelling symptom, as long as you are prepared in advance, the SPC floor can be obediently obedient and safely lying on the ground.
1. Give the floor some breathing room
Although the SPC floor is very hard, it also has a small temper of "heat expansion and cold contraction". When installing, be sure to leave an 8-12mm expansion joint beside the wall. This gap is like a "free movement zone" of the floor, so that it will not "stretch out" when the temperature changes, let alone "expand". Just as wearing tights that are too tight can make you uncomfortable, so can the floor.
2. The temperature is stable and the floor is in a good mood
SPC flooring prefers a stable temperature environment. If your underfloor heating system runs hot and cold, or your room is exposed to the sun all day, the floor may begin to swell due to "temperature anxiety." Remember, keeping the indoor temperature between 18-30°C is both comfortable and will prevent the floor from warping due to too much temperature difference. Once the temperature is controlled, the floor can "lie flat" firmly.
3. Moisture is the culprit of expansion
Don't look at the SPC floor waterproof performance bar, it is still very sensitive to the ground humidity. Make sure the floor is completely dry before installation. Otherwise, the floor is like a sponge that drinks too much water and eventually expands because it "can't hold up." Especially in the rainy season or places with high humidity, don't forget to lay a foundation with moisture-proof film, so as to keep the floor dry.
4. The floor is smooth and the floor is safe
When installing SPC floors, the flatness of the floor is very important. If the ground is uneven, the floor will be like walking on a pothole road, the force is not uniform, and over a long time, it will lead to local expansion. Therefore, leveling the ground before installation is an essential step. Give the floor a smooth "home", it can be used at ease.
5. Quality flooring = Peace of mind
Choosing a quality brand of SPC flooring is the first step to avoid swelling problems. The floor selection of big brands is exquisite, the process is strict, and the performance against temperature and humidity changes is naturally better. Never try to be cheap and choose inferior products, because you may face more trouble because of it.
6. High humidity area, waterproof treatment can not be less
Although the waterproof performance of the SPC floor is really good, it is recommended to do waterproof treatment in advance in particularly humid areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. For example, applying waterproof glue to the joints can further prevent water vapor from seeping into the bottom of the floor. One more layer of protection, and there's less risk of the floor swelling.
7. Avoid direct sunlight to keep the floor "cool"
Prolonged direct sunlight can cause the floor to heat up and expand, especially near balconies or floor-to-ceiling Windows. In order to "heat" the floor, you can use curtains or sunshades to prevent them from being exposed to the sun for too long. The floor likes warm sunlight, but too much exposure can make it "too hot to stand."
Conclusion:
In order to keep the SPC floor stable and smooth for a long time, the key is reasonable installation, temperature and humidity control, and the selection of high-quality materials. As long as you do a good job of prevention in advance, the SPC floor will obediently "lie flat", no longer have to worry about it will "swell"!