I've heard you should silicon within expansion gap around laminate flooring??

Question

I'm aware there should be a 10-15mm expansion gap all around the edging of the flooring. A builder told me I should also put clear silicon all around, is this correct or best left as it is? Will the floor in time move about without it?

Answer 1

dont! leave it as it is. the expansion gap should only be 4mm not 10-15mm unless u want an escape route for spiders? im a joiner & i,ve laid more laminate flooring than i care 2 remember. the easiest way to cover the gap is 2 take the skirting board off 1st then lay the floor & re fix the skirting board (bit late now i guess) or the 2nd option is get some quadrant (all hardware stores sell this) & use this to cover the gap. cant think why a "builder" told u to use silicon? it,ll b fine as it is.

Answer 2

I have seen that done - but any floor we have laid has always been left with the gap of less than 5 mm - normally with any kit you get small wedges specifically to help you guage the gap. It will not shift or move around - it needs the gap as laminate is in effect "wood" and with different weather (heating) in the room it needs to have room to expand. If the gap is disturbed you may find the laminate lifts or bows at the joins.

This can also happen if you have a major spillage and don't dry it off as the wood eventually gets damp and bubbles.

Answer 3

a laminate floor is also known as a floating floor it needs room to move for expansion and contraction so dont silicone or fix any of the floor.

Answer 4

use silicon or cork as both will allow for the wood to expand and contract

Answer 5

leave it as it is....my friend bought thick rope and glued it round the edges to hide the gap, different but nice

Answer 6

No. The gap should be left as when it was laid.