There are three things that good rental floors need to do. They have to look clean for the next tenant, withstand long-term usage and save money compared to constant repairs. The right choice of laminate will help you achieve all three goals.
In case you are shopping around for a laminate flooring Brampton installation service, the choices may become confusing very quickly. In this article, we will cover all the specifications that are crucial for landlords and property managers.
Begin With the Kind of Rental Property that You Have
The kind of rental property you have dictates your requirements for flooring. Prior to going to the showroom or requesting a quotation, think about the likely occupants of the property, its frequency of use, and which areas require the most attention.
Type of rental property | Major flooring issues | Before purchasing the product |
Condominium/apartment | Aesthetic quality, sound of footsteps, and construction regulations | Underlay requirements and floor coverings in condominiums |
Family rental property | Durability, spills, and easy maintenance | Wear rating, surface texture, and maintenance procedures |
Basement rental unit | Moisture levels and subfloor quality | Moisture levels and the installation conditions of the product |
High turnover rental unit | Ease of repair and replacement | Availability of the product and having spare planks |
Small investment property | Uniformity of appearance and costs | Cost of installation and applicability to each room |
Owners of condos need to take note of the regulations in the building before installing an underlayment. There are buildings that have standards for reducing noise in the underlay, while others require approval of the job.
Property managers of multiple units can make things simple by using the same underlay in all the units.
Comparison of Laminate Floor Specifications Prior to Buying
Two different laminates might have the same appearance but different levels of wear, moisture and installation qualities. Make sure to read the specifications prior to purchasing.
Evaluate the wear rating and finish
Laminated flooring has a decorative surface covered by an invisible wear layer. The quality of the wear layer defines the laminate’s resistance to scratching, staining and wearing, not only its appearance.
In order to compare the two materials, consider:
- Use classification or abrasion: Evaluate the use rating indicated by the manufacturer and compare it to the expected residential traffic level.
- Resistance to scratches: Consider the performance of the material under normal use and the recommended protective measures from the manufacturer.
- Resistance to stains: Evaluate the instructions for cleaning and limitations.
- Warranty of the product: Read the exclusions and conditions. Residential warranty doesn’t always cover the usage of the laminate in rental property and damage due to moisture
It doesn’t make laminate scratch-proof. Even though it is resistant to scratches, the grit on people’s shoes, dragged furniture and pet nails can still damage the surface.
Plank thickness knowledge
Laminated planks come in varying thickness levels; however, the plank thickness alone does not guarantee the best product. While the thicker plank can be perceived as heavier to walk on, the protection of the surface, joints, subfloor conditions, and installation guidelines still play a significant role.
Find out if your chosen product suits the particular floor you have and whether the locking system needs any underlay. Do not choose the product based on its thickness stated on the box.
Consider Moisture Resistant Flooring in Your Choices
Brampton has distinct seasons; winter will include cold temperatures, snow, and rainfall. Moisture will be tracked inside through shoes and come into the home from leakages. The type of flooring you choose should depend on where there is likely to be any moisture and how fast you clean the spillage.
Understand the Difference Between Water-resistant and Waterproof
Laminate flooring comes with varying degrees of resistance to spills. This does not mean that it can withstand water for prolonged periods. The water may get past the joints, edges, and damaged areas to reach the core of the material.
When buying, look out for:
- The length of time a specific product can handle spills, if indicated.
- If it has been approved by the manufacturer to install in kitchen areas, basements, and places with moisture.
- The type of cleaning product and method allowed.
- The exclusions included in the warranty such as leakage, floods, and moisture exposure.
Water-resistant laminate can be considered an appropriate choice for certain kitchens or any other room that could accommodate laminate, given the product guidelines are adhered to. In case of the bathrooms or rooms where there is moisture, you might consider comparing other types of flooring to laminate.
Inspect the basement prior to installing flooring
It is important to check the basement as there could be sources of moisture including moisture from the concrete slab itself, moisture from the ground, leaks, or condensation. Laying laminate flooring on a wet subfloor will result in expansion or deformation of the floorboards.
As stated by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation,moisture and mold in housing can affect basement floors and cause hidden mold contamination problems. It is very important to identify the source of moisture rather than cover the problem area.
Make sure to have the existing floor tested for moisture and any unevenness before installation. Apply the moisture barrier or any other necessary material for your particular case.
Choose a Style that Will Last Through Multiple Tenants
Neutrals will have the greatest appeal for renters and allow for simpler touchups down the road. Light to medium grey tones, pastel beiges, and natural wood tones do well at concealing dirt and minor scratches. The more varied grain patterns conceal wear better than those that are consistent, while darker or lighter finishes show all imperfections.
Be sure to purchase additional boxes when installing the floor and save them. Floor products are often discontinued, and finding matching planks from a subsequent production run can be challenging.
What Goes into Installation?
Two estimates can be miles apart due to the amount of work included. Know what is included in the estimate when making comparisons. Installation of a laminate floor will include:
- Removal and disposal of the old flooring
- Leveling the low spots on the subfloor
- Installation of a vapour barrier if required
- Installation of underlayment
- Installation of the click-lock planks
- Trims, transitions, and stair nose installation
- Cleanup
Importance of the Subfloor and Underlayment
The laminate flooring floats on the subfloor, and thus dips in the subfloor can lead to gaps, noise and movement in the flooring. The underlayment adds cushioning and sound absorption qualities while also offering moisture protection to the floor in certain types.
Selecting the installer
When you look at estimates for laminate flooring installation Brampton, ask who is responsible for removal, what does the estimate include, and how scheduling works. Most installers will estimate one day per room, or two to three days per main floor level based on preparation time. Professional installation of laminate floors is also able to work within tenant move-ins, make fewer errors that could have been avoided, and educate people about product care.
The role of commercial flooring contractors
A single unit of a condominium should be installed by a residential installer. However, when it comes to a multi-unit building, a row of townhouses, or a major renovation, a commercial flooring contractor may be useful.
Professional Installation Services: Know What to Expect
A good product cannot do its job well if it is installed on an uneven surface or without the preparation required by the manufacturer. Professional installation services can assist in determining the state of the floor to determine which products and labor are necessary.
In the case of laminate flooring installation in Brampton, the professional should inform you about the installation process, including:
- Inspection of the current floor: Does the current floor stay the same or has to be stripped away?
- Subfloor evaluation: Is there something wrong with the subfloor?
- Selection of the underlayment: What type of underlayment suits the floor?
- Installation procedure: How are the gaps, doorways, edges, and other things dealt with?
- Final inspection: Is the installed floor going to be inspected for any signs of movement, cracks, or unfinished edges?
Laminate flooring is typically laid out as a floating floor where the floor boards are connected between themselves, not attached to the subflooring. How the floor needs to be prepared and installed depends on the instructions from the manufacturer and requires the presence of the right amount of expansion around permanent structures.
For a single rental property, a residential flooring contractor might be enough. If you need to do several units at once, then a commercial flooring company could be considered due to the scale of the work.
Questions to ask before scheduling
Before agreeing to have the work done, check:
- Is the quote based on a site inspection or estimated dimensions?
- What preparation and demolition work is included?
- Who is responsible for providing the floor covering, underlayment, capping, and transition materials?
- What might affect the cost?
- What workmanship guarantee applies, and how is it covered?
- What maintenance information and product literature will be supplied?
This list helps in setting expectations before the job commences.
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