4 minute read
RIGHT FIRST TIME | MALMO
Gail Alcock, Product Director, Malmo™
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GETTING IT RIGHT FIRST TIME
TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FLOORING INSTALLATION
Gail Alcock, Product Director for Malmo™, offers some sound advice to help installers achieve a successful Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring installation the first time around.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) offers a host of benefits thanks to its ability to deliver durability, stylish looks, easy installation and low maintenance. Design choices have continued to evolve and LVT now offers a level of authenticity like never before, saving valuable time when compared to laying stone, tile or real wood flooring.
But, like anything, it’s important to get to know the product and learn how to install it correctly to avoid potential problems further down the line. Crucially, it’s important to understand the differences between rigid click and stickdown formats and the environments where they’re best suited.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER
When it comes to fitting any type of flooring it’s important to get to know your customer and their lifestyle to determine whether they are they choosing the right flooring for a particular environment. Ask yourself, are you offering the customer their forever floor?
Create a checklist following the classic adage of the ‘5Ws →
MA20 Livia - Tile Rigid Comfort from the Malmo™ Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring range
WHO?
Find out who will be using the area where the flooring is being installed. For example, is the customer a wheelchair user where transition strips would be an issue, or are there children or elderly people in the household where additional slip resistance would be beneficial?
Once you understand this you can establish which flooring offers the features and benefits to meet the customer’s needs, but it doesn’t end there.
WHAT?
Is the project a new build, a full refurbishment, or a quick and simple renovation? Stickdown LVT is often an excellent choice for a refurb as the flooring can be laid ahead of heavy items being installed. Rigid click LVT on the other hand may be better for a kitchen or bathroom makeover as it is easier to install and is made for fitting around existing fixtures. Malmo™ Rigid with its patented Välinge 5G click system only requires a light finger touch to securely click the product into place.
Find out the customer’s expectations of the flooring. For example, are they looking to create a seamless transition between rooms? Are scotias around the edge of a room a no-no? A customer may not have considered these things but highlighting them will ensure a more satisfied customer in the long run.
Crucially, check out the moisture level and condition of the subfloor for yourself. A subfloor that is dry, smooth, level, and free from debris is essential for a successful flooring installation. It’s vital to know what you’re dealing with and to undertake necessary preparatory work before getting started.
WHEN?
Find out when the flooring is due to be installed, for example does it need to go in before kitchen furniture. Stickdown LVT is an ideal choice here as cabinetry, kitchen islands and appliances can be placed on top without experiencing expansion or contraction. The room that the flooring is going into is key to the planning process as different floorcoverings have strengths and weaknesses in different settings.
Bathrooms have specific requirements such as water resistance, while conservatories and rooms with skylights, patios and bi-fold doors need flooring that can cope with temperature hotspots. The stability offered by stickdown LVT means it can deal with areas of high and fluctuating temperatures so is a good option to recommend for installation in these areas.
WHY?
Another question you should ask is why the flooring is being replaced. Has the customer had issues with a previous type of flooring or are they looking to achieve a certain aesthetic?
If they have already decided on a specific product before speaking to an expert, what is it about that product that is so important to them? Finally, find out how long the customer expects the product to last. Are they a serial DIYer who is constantly redecorating or are they investing in their forever home? This will determine things like the wear layer of the flooring which gives it its durable and hardwearing surface. The full Malmo™ Freedom Stickdown and Malmo™ Rigid Senses ranges offer an enhanced 0.55mm wear layer as standard.
Nothing beats a site visit - it’s a great opportunity to get to know the customer and get the answers you need, plus spot potential issues which the customer may not be aware of.
Malmo™ has a range of helpful resources available including installation guides, technical data sheets, FAQs and a lifestyle brochure. We also have experts on hand who can help with product advice and any installation queries.
www.malmoflooring.com
