Acclimating is the pre-installation process of letting flooring materials become accustomed to the environment where they will spend their life. Vinyl plank flooring has become common among homeowners and property managers due to their versatility and durability. Most vinyl prank will require acclimation to ensure the longevity of your floors. The period within which you will acclimate your floor depends on various factors such as the material of your ideal flooring, geographic location, current temperatures, and humidity, and expected climate changes.

Importance of Acclimating

All vinyl plank flooring has a high density fie core which is porous, even when it looks solid. The tiny spaces allow air to penetrate to the core bringing in a substantial level of humidity. In high humidity, the pranks are bound to swell while in low humidity, the planks will shrink. Although the expansion and contraction may appear negligible, it could cause buckles in the snug locking systems and gaps on the floor. Furthermore, cold weather conditions affect the drying and curing process causing the flooring to become stiff, brittle, and difficult to work with.

Leaving the vinyl plank on the floor for the recommended 48 hours in places you intend to install them allows the planks to unify with the room temperatures and humidity levels. This ensures that you do not have to put transition strips at the doorway or breaks in open spaces hence a free-flowing floor.

Conditions critical for Acclimating Indoor conditions

Indoor conditions provide the ideal setting for acclimating your plank flooring. Even though modern luxury vinyl plank is engineered to provide long-term performance even in challenging environments, they are subjected to specific acclimation specifications, which include

• Floor temperatures of between 59 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity levels between 35 and 75%. You can use a barometer to determine the humidity levels of your room
• If installing them on a slab, the concrete should be cured for 60 days prior to the installation while newly painted wall should be cured for at least three days.

By maintaining these conditions; you not only give the vinyl plank flooring time to be conditioned to the building environment, but also to the subfloor where it will be fitted. Do not skip this first installation step as it is crucial in the overall durability of your new beautiful flooring. Visit us today more information and to see our selection.