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Frequently Asked Questions


The North American Laminate Flooring Association ("NALFA") General

What is the mission of NALFA?
NALFA is the North American association representing manufacturers of laminate flooring products. Its goal is to encourage the establishment and maintenance of high standards in laminate flooring in North America and to recognize those that meet these standards.
What are the benefits of NALFA membership?
Members participate in NALFA's standards writing activity and help develop and shape the future of the laminate flooring industry in North America and internationally.
How do I know the laminate flooring I choose is a quality product?
Reputable laminate flooring manufacturers subject their products to the stringent requirements of certification in compliance with the North American Laminate Flooring Association ("NALFA") specification. Any product carrying the NALFA seal of approval is considered quality flooring.
What are the standard performance tests utilized by NALFA for laminate floors?
Performance requirements include, but are not limited to: static load, thickness swell, impact resistance, light resistance, cleanability/stain resistance, wear resistance, dimensional tolerances, and castor chair resistance.
When will the NALFA standards be published?
NALFA's standard, NALFA/ANSI LF-01-2003, which was developed and certified through the American National Standards Institute's Canvass Committee procedure, was published December 2003.
How do I obtain a copy of the NALFA standard?
A copy of the standard can be obtained from this website [www.nalfa.com] or by contacting NALFA at 1747 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20006, Attn: NALFA Standards Coordinator.
What are the requirements to become a member and/or associate member of NALFA?
Regular Member – A manufacturer, marketer or importer of laminate flooring for sale in North America, but does not include retailers, buying groups, retail cooperatives, retail marketing groups or wholesale distributors.
Associate Member – Any corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or other entity that is regularly engaged in the business of selling goods or services that are eligible to be Regular Members. (Associate members may attend Board of Director's meetings, but do not have voting rights).
What independent test labs are approved to conduct NALFA performance tests?
Independent test labs approved to conduct NALFA's performance tests can be obtained by contacting NALFA at 1747 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20006, Attn: NALFA Test Lab Coordinator. See also: www.nalfa.com/testlabs

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What is Laminate?

What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a rigid floor covering with a surface layer consisting of one or more thin sheets of a fibrous material (usually paper), impregnated with aminoplastic thermosetting resins (usually melamine). These sheets are either pressed as such (HPL, CPL, Compact), and in the case of HPL or CPL bonded on a substrate, or in the case of DPL directly pressed on a substrate. The product is normally finished with a backing primarily used as a balancing material. Its performance values are set by the NALFA Standard.
What is an underlayment?
The term "underlayment" refers to any roll or sheet product designed to be installed over the sub-floor surface and under the laminate flooring material. For more information on underlayments, please visit: (hotlink to underlayment article)
How does Laminate flooring compare to other flooring surfaces?
Laminate flooring is typically more durable, less prone to indent, has better stain resistance, resists shrinkage and swelling due to seasonal changes, and is easier to install than many other flooring surfaces.
How do I know the laminate flooring I choose is a quality product?
Reputable laminate flooring manufacturers subject their products to the stringent requirements of certification in compliance with the North American Laminate Flooring Association ("NALFA") specification. Any product carrying the NALFA seal of approval is considered quality flooring.

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Uses/Benefits of Laminate Flooring

How does laminate flooring compare to other flooring surfaces?
Laminate flooring is typically more durable, less prone to indent, has better stain resistance, resists shrinkage and swelling due to seasonal changes, and is easier to install than many other flooring surfaces.
I want to install a laminate floor but with kids and pets I am afraid it might be noisy. How does laminate flooring perform in such environments and is there anything I can do to muffle the noise?
Laminate flooring is recommended for an environment where the "challenges" of children and pets exist and it is not significantly noisier than other hard flooring surfaces. The choice of underlayment will have the greatest effect in reducing noise from pedestrian foot traffic. Your laminate retailer or flooring specialist will be able to guide you to the underlayment which is right for your installation situation.
Can laminate flooring be installed on walls?
Laminate flooring is currently recommended only for flooring applications. For all other uses, consult appropriate building codes and refer back to the manufacturer of the specific product or its website.
Can I install laminate flooring in an unheated space (e.g., garage, cabin, porch)?
Laminates need to be installed in climatically stable environments, avoiding extreme temperature swings and excessive humidity.
Can laminate floor be installed in a basement?
Generally, laminate flooring may be installed in a basement in accordance with the manufacturer product specific installation recommendations. Your laminate retailer or manufacturer can provide more specific detail on this matter.
How long will a laminate floor last?
How long a laminate product will last depends upon the product one selects, the use it sees, and how well it is cared for. For product specific warranties, refer back to the manufacturer's information or the manufacturer's website.
Can laminate flooring be installed over a radiant heated floor?
Yes. However, there are special installation procedures required for radiant heated sub-floors. The laminate manufacturer's installation recommendations must be followed to ensure a successful installation.
Can laminate flooring be installed in a bathroom?
Most manufacturers offer laminate product for use in bathrooms. However, since bathrooms are high moisture areas, special installation procedures may be required. Please refer back to the manufacturer of the specific product for specific instructions.
What are the standard performance tests utilized by NALFA for laminate floors?
Performance requirements include, but are not limited to: static load, thickness swell, impact resistance, light resistance, cleanability/stain resistance, wear resistance, dimensional tolerances, and castor chair resistance.
Will laminate flooring fade?
Normally not. It is possible that over the years you may find a small difference. For product specific warranty information, you should refer back to manufacturer.
Should I be concerned about heavy furniture or appliances being placed on laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring offers better indentation and scratch resistance than most other types of flooring particularly as related to heavy loads. However, care and common sense should be exercised when moving heavy objects placed upon the flooring.
Why do I need an underlayment?
Underlayments are used to: (1) improve acoustical properties, (2) smooth out minor sub-floor imperfections, (3) improve insulation properties, (4) reduce walking fatigue, and (5) helping to protect the laminate flooring material from sub-floor moisture.

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Installation

What is an underlayment?
The term "underlayment" refers to any roll or sheet product designed to be installed over the sub-floor surface and under the laminate flooring material. For more information on underlayments, please go to: http://www.nalfa.com/techcommarticles.htm
I want to install a laminate floor but with kids and pets I am afraid it might be noisy. How does laminate flooring perform in such environments and is there anything I can do to muffle the noise?
Laminate flooring is recommended for an environment where the "challenges" of children and pets exist and it is not significantly noisier than other hard flooring surfaces. The choice of underlayment will have the greatest effect in reducing noise from pedestrian foot traffic. Your laminate retailer or flooring specialist will be able to guide you to the underlayment which is right for your installation situation.
Can laminate floor be installed in a basement?
Generally, laminate flooring may be installed in a basement in accordance with the manufacturer product specific installation recommendations. Your laminate retailer or manufacturer can provide more specific detail on this matter.
Can laminate flooring be installed over a radiant heated floor?
Yes. However, there are special installation procedures required for radiant heated sub-floors. The laminate manufacturer's recommendations must be followed to ensure a successful installation.
After taking up old flooring, I wanted to put down laminate. The sub-floor is fairly clean but it still has some of the adhesive that is hard to get up. What can I do to smooth out the surface so the laminate material lies flat?
Using a quality underlayment will help smooth out minor imperfections in the sub-floor. Ask your laminate flooring dealer about a quality underlayment.
Are all laminate floors installed in basically the same manner?
There can be substantial differences in installation methods. Please follow the manufacturer's specific installation instructions.
Can I install a laminate floor by myself?
There are some laminate products that will lend themselves to a "do-it-yourself" installation. A trained professional should install the other laminate products. Your flooring retailer can assist you in making that choice.
Why is an expansion zone needed around the perimeter of a room?
An expansion zone is needed to allow for the normal movements of the flooring system due to climatic changes.
Why must the laminate product be in the room it will be installed in 48 hours prior to installation?
The laminate, underlayment, and glue should be acclimated to the conditions of the room in which it will be installed. By allowing typically 48 hours to acclimate, you are allowing the product to stabilize to its installation environment and minimize subsequent dimensional changes.
Can we install laminate over old carpet?
No, any carpet will have to be removed.
What special considerations may be required for large installations or adjoining rooms?
Depending upon room size and layout, and the manufacturer's recommendations, transition accessory pieces may be required to allow for proper expansion and contraction of the laminate floor. Please refer to your specific manufacturer or installer recommendations.
How will the laminate floor attach, or transition to, adjacent areas which have different floor coverings which have carpet or vinyl?
To create functional and attractive transitions from your laminate floor to adjacent different floor coverings such as carpet or vinyl, accessory pieces designed for the specific transition are available in matching or coordinating decors, and are usually required to complete a professional-looking installation. Please refer to your specific manufacturer or installer recommendations.
What should I do about an uneven sub-floor?
Underlayment should take care of most minor imperfections. Larger sub-floor irregularities may require patching, filling or other measures. Please refer to manufacturer instructions.
Can I glue the laminate to the sub-floor?
Most laminate flooring is installed as a "floating floor". To the extent any glue may be used, refer to manufacturer instructions.

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Cleaning/Maintenance/Durability of Laminate Flooring

How long will a laminate floor last?
How long a laminate product will last depends upon the product one selects, the use it sees, and how well it is cared for. For product specific warranties, refer back to the manufacturer's information or the manufacturer's website.
How does laminate flooring compare to other flooring surfaces?
Laminate flooring is typically more durable, less prone to indent, has better stain resistance, resists shrinkage and swelling due to seasonal changes, and is easier to install than many other flooring surfaces.
How do I repair scratches or other damage to a laminate floor?
Laminate manufacturers have repair kits available to remove or repair minor damage. If the damage is severe, it will require a qualified installer to replace the individual laminate board.
Can I use a strong cleaner on a laminate floor?
Laminate flooring is a durable and stain resistant floor covering so strong cleaners are typically not required nor recommended, "Floor flooding" is also not recommended for cleaning. For specific care instructions, you should consult the product manufacturer's recommendations.
How do I care for my laminate floor?
Laminate flooring is made to be easy to care for. Consequently, no waxing is required. Typically, all that is required is sweeping to remove surface grit and occasional spot treatment with a manufacturer's recommended cleanser.

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Contacts (Warranty Information, Manufacturer Specific Information)

What are the warranties on laminate product?
Information regarding specific warranty details can be obtained from the manufacturers of the specific product.
What independent test labs are approved to conduct NALFA performance tests?
Independent test labs approved to conduct NALFA's performance tests can be obtained by contacting NALFA at 1747 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20006, Attn: NALFA Test Lab Coordinator. www.nalfa.com.
How can I find out product specific information?
Product specific information can be obtained from the manufacturers. NALFA member manufacturers can be reached at: http://www.nalfa.com/nalfamembers.htm. Linking to the manufacturer will connect you directly to the appropriate manufacturer's website.
Where can I find a place to buy laminate flooring?
For specific information regarding the purchasing of laminate flooring please contact specific manufacturers that can be reached at: http://www.nalfa.com/nalfamembers.htm.

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