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Is it necessary to place T-transition expansions or breaks in floating floors?

1 min read
Published on December 03, 2020

Is it necessary to place T-molding transitions and expansion breaks in floating floors?

Yes, when directed by the manufacturer, T-molding transitions and expansion breaks must be used. The T-Mold, or Transition Strip, is going to cover the small space between two areas of flooring. Having a small added space allows the flooring the 'breathing space to slightly flex with temperature, humidity, and pressure changes, while the gap is covered completely by the top of the 'T' shape.

The reason manufacturers recommend expansion breaks and doorway transitions in floating floors is three-fold. Humidity, Weight, and Span Limitations.

When the indoor humidity climbs over 55% floor boards tend to swell or expand, this is normal. Under certain conditions when high humidity is sustained coupled with the weight of furniture and/or placement within a room, the center of the floor area could actually buckle or lift off the floor -without a planned center expansion. 

Some floating floors like bamboo are also heavy and T-transition expansions reduce the likelihood of buckling due to weight and pinch-points around walls and doorways.

In addition, most floating floors like bamboo and laminates have span limitations. This means a product may not exceed a predetermined span of feet in either length or width. In an effort to bypass span or center expansion requirements some installers have doubled the outside perimeter expansion space to a full ¾", however, installations outside the recommendations are viewed as experimental and can lead to installation failure.

As always, let us know if you have more questions. You can also find the nearest LL Flooring showroom by visiting www.llflooring.com/stores/

All the best,

LL Flooring

 

Also, you may choose from our wide selection of molding, trim, and transition strips for your flooring project for home delivery or store pickup.

The video below will walk through some some steps to learn how to choose flooring transitions, flooring trim, and molding, and give tips on installation.

Please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel, grow the community, and leave your comments!

 

 

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image of Hot Springs Hickory Laminate T-Mold
Shop the selection of Moldings, Trim, Baseboards, and Transition Strips at LL Flooring. 

 

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