When installing new flooring, many people focus on choosing the right materials, colours, and styles. However, one of the most important steps in the process is often overlooked—floor preparation. Properly preparing a floor before installation ensures durability, prevents future issues, and guarantees a smooth, professional finish. In this article, we’ll explore why floor preparation is essential and how it contributes to a long-lasting floor.
1. Provides a Level and Even Surface
One of the largest of the reasons why floor preparation is done is that it provides a level and even surface. When the prep is not done, then the floor is bumpy, cracked, or humped and provides a substandard installation.
Example:
Tiles will crack if sub-surface isn’t level.
Laminate flooring won’t connect and will gap or become unstable.
Lumpy or impression carpet and unpleasant to walk on.
Clean and dry conditions and subfloor levelling is a great basis for a top-rated finish.
2. Provides Improved Adhesion and Stabilty
Floors need to adhere well to the surface upon which they are being laid. Just-fitted flooring will not adhere when the subfloor is dirty, damp, or loaded with remaining adhesive. It may loosen tiles, buckle down onto the floorboards, or delaminate the vinyl.
Preparation works successfully most of the time by:
- Removing dirt, grease, or tacky adhesive on the surface.
- Priming so the floor will adhere more tightly.
- Sand or smoothing out rough surfaces to achieve a smooth surface.
All these procedures strengthen your flooring’s stability and adhesion and avoid future problems.
See also: How Best Residential Architects in Sydney Can Help Nail Energy Efficiency
3. Avoids Moisture Problems
– Moisture is flooring longevity’s greatest enemy. Water or moisture beneath the floor can lead to monstrous problems such as:
- Warping or curled wood flooring
- Mildew and mould growth under carpeting
- Failure of the tile adhesive causing loose ceiling tiles
It is essential to carry out moisture content testing prior to flooring installation and installation of the moisture barriers wherever required. This is especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where there is dampness.
4. Extends the Life of Your Flooring
Nobody wants to be changing the floors as often due to poor wear and tear. Properly preparing your floor sets your flooring up to be in the best shape it can be for as long a time as possible. With an even and stable subfloor, there is less stress on the material of the flooring, and it wears down and gets hurt less over time.
For instance, when you are installing hardwood flooring over a subfloor that is uneven, pressure spots will be created and cracking or creaking will be caused before time. Yet, by properly preparing the surface, your floor will continue to be of use to you for decades without its strength getting reduced and losing its looks.
5. Saves You from Expensive Repairs and Replacements
Save time and money on corners with floor prep, but will cost an arm and a leg to fix down the road. Loose tiles, wonky boards, or water damage are just a few issues that will require expensive repairs. All of these issues would have been avoided if prep work was done.
Invest in floor preparation now and save money later by not having to fix what doesn’t need to be fixed and by having showroom floors.
6. Boosts Safety and Comfort
Unsuitable floor preparation is unsafe. Sloping grounds lead to slipping and falling, and uneven floors slide away beneath the feet, leading to accidents. In residential areas with children or the elderly, a flat and even floor is required in order to provide protection.
An adequately maintained floor is also comfortable to walk on. It gets rid of excessive creaking and movement, giving a solid and comfortable surface on which to work daily.
Floor preparation is the key to a successful floor installation. It gives you an even surface, makes the floor more stable, protects the floor from the water that would destroy it, and will pay for itself in the long run. Carpet, hardwood floors, laminate, or tile, it’ll be worth taking the time to prepare your floor with a higher-end, durable finish.
Then next time you’ll be planning for your next floor installation, remember this—a well-prepared floor is a good floor!
