The Process Followed by the Best Hardwood Floor Installers
Installing wooden flooring in your home is not only a guaranteed style upgrade but also a smart investment in its resale value. Hardwood flooring remains timeless, with a lifespan that can be extended indefinitely through occasional refinishing and minor repairs. However, not all flooring is the same which is why it is so important to hire only the best, experienced hardwood floor installers for the job. This is especially important when the flooring is going over the concrete slab, which requires special consideration and testing for moisture levels.
The Importance of Testing for Moisture
Depending on the home’s location, the soil beneath, and other factors, a concrete slab floor will have unique characteristics which impact how a wooden floor can be installed. Before a single board is bought, a knowledgeable flooring installer knows the immense importance of testing for moisture. This can be done through four methods including:
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- Rubber Mat Test
- Calcium Chloride Test
- Phenolphthalein Test
- Polyethylene Film Test
The Two Types of Floor Installations
Once factors such as moisture levels are carefully considered, a skilled installer has two industry-standard approaches for installing a hardwood floor. These are most commonly used for residential purposes and offer their own advantages depending on the home and concrete base. These methods are:
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- Plywood on slab method: A durable layer of 6 mm polyethylene plastic film is placed over the concrete slab, without the use of adhesives, followed by a 19 mm plywood subfloor. This is nailed into place with power actuated nails designed especially for concrete. 6 mm of the room must be left between the plywood and walls. Following this, the hardwood flooring is laid over the top of the plywood and secured in place with a blind nail.
- Screed method: To begin, a layer of asphalt primer is applied to the concrete slab followed by a coating of asphalt mastic once the primer dries. Following this, wooden screeds are placed over the asphalt in an overlapping pattern of rows, with spaces between each row. These will become the main securing points for the hardwood floor. Next, a polyethylene film vapor barrier is placed over top, locking out moisture and acting as the final seal on the concrete. Finally, the hardwood surface is installed over top.
Identifying the installation method best suited to a concrete slab floor will help ensure that the floor stays in great shape for years to come. Mistakes or errors in judgment can open up your home to the risk of water damage and mold growth, while a wood floor that is professionally installed can remain in mint condition for generations.
The Importance of Hiring a Trusted Flooring Company
If you are looking to have hardwood flooring installed in Calgary, you need to choose the company that not only gets the job done quickly but also takes the time to ensure it is done right. Laying hardwood over a concrete slab brings with it unique challenges which only a skilled and trusted contractor can handle flawlessly. At Bull Tough Flooring, the results and testimonials from countless satisfied customers speak for themselves. We take pride in high-quality, efficient work, leaving your home with beautiful floors that will last a lifetime.
Book a consultation for your hardwood flooring installation in Calgary, AB, with a Bull Tough Flooring representative. Call us at 403-975-2579 or contact us online to get a quote for scratch repairs and hardwood floor installation.