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How to Avoid Floor Chipping, and What Can I Do?

Floor chipping is a problem that can be avoided by careful installation & proper care of your flooring.

2 min read
Published on April 15, 2016

Floor chipping is a problem that can be avoided by careful installation & proper care of your flooring.

During Installation:

1) Check that you are using the right installation methods:

a. Do the individual boards go together in a certain way to lock e.g. Angle / Angle or Angle Drop Etc. Failure to engage the boards correctly can result in damage.

2) Are you using excessive force? If you are using a mallet or mallet and tapping block and give the floor board a real hard crack, this can damage the edges. You may not see the damage immediately but too much force may cause micro fractures, which eventually grow resulting chipping.

3) If you suspect you have damaged the edge of a board remove and replace with a new plank.

4) Check that the tools you are using are appropriate for the flooring being installed.

5) Handle the material with care. Banging corners or edges, even when in a box, can result in chipped or weakened edges.

6) Allow expansion space per individual product installation guidelines. If a floating floor cannot move the boards can buckle, which may result in permanent board damage.

7) Make sure your subfloor is flat. Continued flexing of the joint can cause chips to develop over time

During the life of your flooring:

1) Dropping sharp of heavy objects on your flooring can cause damage.

2) For some products, excessive water may cause slight edge swelling, which can weaken the flooring's integrity and allow it to chip.

3) Be careful of damaged footwear. Cleats or spikes, or even a rock stuck in your shoe - can result in damage that could chip.

4) Use approved area rugs under kitchen tables to protect the flooring from wear and edge damage caused by sliding chairs.

5) Use approved protective mats under office chairs to protect the flooring from wear and chipping from castors.

6) When moving heavy appliances use air sleds, or place heavy-duty floor protection over the flooring to prevent scratches, marring, and chipping.

...So that covers when you can do to avoid chipping. But what happens if I get a few chips?

For Laminate and Vinyl, if minor, a repair kit can be used. For major chips a board replacement maybe necessary.

For Hardwood, the easiest method is to fill the chipped area using a wood burn stick of complementing color. For major chips a board replacement maybe necessary. If you do not have a board, a professional repair specialist should be consulted.

Tip: No matter the floor material, your exact flooring color & pattern may not be available in the future. Always keep some spare planks of flooring in a safe place for replacement.

LL Flooring Technical and Installation