One important note: many vinyl and laminate products come with a built-in underlay. When that is the case, adding another underlay may create problems and void the warranty. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

First of all, test for moisture in your basement. A simple test such as taping a plastic sheet to the floor for 24 to 48 hours can show whether moisture comes through. Solve any leaks prior to installing any floor.

In recent years, luxury vinyl plank has turned into one of the most popular types of flooring in Canada. There are good reasons for that: it delivers a beautiful wood look, it handles water, and it suits most budgets.

If you are thinking about luxury vinyl for your renovation, it is worth taking time to compare thicknesses and look at real samples. You will find a great selection on Canada Floors Depot before making your final choice.

De-icing salt often leaves a hazy residue which may etch the finish of most floors. Clean residue quickly with a slightly damp cloth and a floor-specific cleaner. Never use steam mops on wood-based floors.

A key function is acoustic insulation. Floating floors may sound noisy without a good underlay. The right underlay reduces that hollow sound, which is essential in condos where condo boards may set a minimum IIC or STC rating.

If you are thinking of selling in the near future, or you simply want to make your home more comfortable, replacing old flooring is easily one of the smartest renovations you can make. Your floors make up most of the visible space of a house, which means they create a big effect on how buyers feel.

Buyers notice floors right away. Dated carpet, scratched hardwood or chipped tile send a signal that the property has been neglected. In contrast, new, consistent flooring helps make a property look clean and modern, which often helps attract more buyers.

The main benefit of LVP is that many products are waterproof. Unlike solid hardwood, a well-made LVP does not swell or cup because of moisture. It is therefore a perfect fit for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Moisture levels is very important. During the heating season, indoor air gets too dry, which causes wood floors to shrink and gaps to appear. A humidifier to maintain indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent protects your wood floors as well as your furniture.

The outcome is flooring with the look just like real hardwood while stays more stable in Canadian conditions. Because it is more stable, engineered hardwood is often suitable in rooms in which solid wood is not recommended, including below-grade rooms and over radiant heating.

Consistency is also important. A mix of flooring types from room to room can make a space look disjointed. Using a single floor through the main living areas produces a clean, open feel that feels more modern.

Canadian winters is beautiful, but they are tough on floors. Snow, road salt, sand and dry heated air can wear out your flooring if you are not careful. With some simple precautions, you can keep your flooring beautiful all season long.

Houses across Canada go through dramatic changes in temperature and humidity from season to season. In winter, our heaters pull moisture from indoor air; during summer, humidity go up quickly. For wood floors, this cycle often leads to gapping, cupping and noise.

Toughness is one more strong point. Most vinyl planks include a wear layer on top that protects against everyday wear, Humpaki.com stains and spills and fading. Families with kids and pets love the low maintenance: a quick sweep and a light mop are all it takes.

Renovating a basement is an excellent way to increase the usable space and value in your house. Yet below-grade spaces present special challenges: cold concrete, humidity and chilly surfaces. The wrong floor often causes mildew, warping and costly repairs.

Moisture control is a second critical benefit, especially in basements. A concrete slab often releases humidity constantly, so an underlay with a built-in vapour barrier protects wood-based floors from swelling.

Real wood continues to be a feature many buyers look for. Engineered hardwood delivers the same appeal with greater stability across the seasons. For a smaller budget, luxury vinyl plank will deliver a comparable finish for less.

The first line of defence is the entrance. Put a sturdy outdoor mat plus a soft absorbent mat inside the main entrances. Two mats traps the majority of the snow and grit before it gets to your flooring. Set up a boot tray so wet boots don’t sit on the floor.

LVP is often the go-to floor for lower levels. Many LVP collections are fully water-resistant, meaning they won’t swell or rot if moisture shows up. Rigid core vinyl also hide slight unevenness in the concrete.

To start, what does underlayment do? Underlayment is a thin cushioned layer installed between the subfloor and the flooring. Based on the material, it can be made of rubber and combined with a moisture barrier.