Do I need to leave expansion joints when installing SPC floor (stone plastic floor)? The answer is: Yes! But don't worry, not because it is "capricious" like a child will run around casually, but because it has a subtle "tacit understanding" with nature and needs a little space to "breathe". So, why does such a hard floor need expansion joints? Come on, let's watch the story.

1. Micro-expansion: Give the floor a little freedom
  Although the waterproof, moisture-proof and heat-proof properties of SPC floor make it "King Kong is not bad", but do you know? Even "King Kong" has its "small emotions". The change in temperature will make it slightly expanded, especially in the cold winter or hot summer, the floor may quietly "grow" a little. Leaving a 5-10 mm expansion joint is like giving it a little free "private life" space to avoid it from "blushing and flatulent" because of overcrowding.

2. Avoid warping: The floor is not a balloon
  If you do not leave a little space for the floor, it will be "angry", the result is that once the floor expands and shrinks too much, there is no place to go, and only "head up" and lift a piece or two, which is not like the flat effect you want. Just as people wear tights to allow room to breathe, the floor needs space to avoid "breaking out" and allow it to lie comfortably there.

3. Foundation perturbations: It's okay to anticipate an "earthquake.
  Well, the "earthquake" here is not the kind you might expect, but a tiny ground change. Even the most stable house, the ground will occasionally change slightly for a variety of reasons. If you don't leave expansion joints for the floor, when the foundation does something, the floor may not cooperate as well. The expansion joint is a "safety pad" that can easily resolve these changes and ensure that the floor remains smooth.

4. Prevent walls from squeezing: Walls are not a soft touch
  Imagine that when your floor is mounted directly against a wall, it wants to "stretch" when the temperature changes, but the wall is not polite, hard in front of it. At this time, the floor can be depressed, or warped, or split, this is not beautiful. Leave an expansion joint, "mediate" between the floor and the wall, and everyone will be fine.

5. Hidden beauty: Kick the footline to the rescue
  Some people may worry that the expansion joint will not affect the overall visual effect? Stay here! The smart installation master has already prepared a good method for you: kicking the foot line! It can not only perfectly cover the expansion joint, but also play the role of protecting the corner, the best of both worlds. The kickline is like the "hat" of the floor, which is not only practical but also beautiful, who wouldn't love it?

To summarize:
  Although the SPC floor is strong and durable, it also has its own "small capricious", in order to let it accompany you safely for many years, remember to give it a little "breathing" space. The expansion joint is not only a small freedom of the floor, but also to avoid future trouble. If you want the floor in your home to always be flat, then be good and don't forget this little detail. Rest assured, the kicker will help you keep this secret so tight that no one will know it has left a little gap! Was it easier than you thought? Give the floor a little expansion joint, harvest beautiful and durable, why not?