What Happens When You Don’t Level Your Flooring During Installation

New flooring can completely change the look of your home, but let’s make sure those looks change for the better. What won’t help the aesthetics (and overall quality) of your home is a floor that isn’t level.
We understand that you want to get the job done and enjoy the final results, but taking the time to level your floor before you lay it is absolutely imperative.
Let’s discuss exactly what happens if you forgo the leveling process and get right to laying the floor – hint: it’s nothing good.

 

You’ll Make the Process More Difficult

By cutting corners and not leveling your floor, you’re actually making the job harder. If you try to install hardwood on a subfloor that isn’t level, the materials will be tough to work with. For example, the pieces might not lay the way you want them to, or they might even pop out of place.
Trying to strongarm a plank into place is never a good idea, either – it’s best to start from square one and make sure everything is level before you lay the floor. That way, you won’t have to force anything.

They Could Buckle and Bend

Even if your floors lay correctly when you first place them on an uneven surface, you’re tempting fate for problems down the road.
Uneven flooring puts stress on the materials in use which, in the worst-case scenario, will bring about problems like bending and buckling. Even in the best case, you can expect to hear a lot of creaking and squeaking when you walk.

The Surface Won’t Be Even

You might think that the bumps you notice on an unlevel floor are small when you’re installing, but those imperfections will be magnified once the job is done.
These irregularities cause unsightly and annoying gaps and lumps. They also decrease your flooring’s general aesthetic appeal and will eventually impact its integrity.

 

A Level Floor Lasts Longer

Leveling the subfloor is equally as important for vinyl flooring as it is for hardwood. Vinyl floors are known for their longevity, but they don’t last nearly as long if the subfloor isn’t level before installation.
An uneven floor will put more stress on certain areas compared to others, which compromises the quality of the flooring and degrades it much more quickly. By taking the time to level, you’ll save a significant amount in replacement and repair fees.

An Uneven Floor is Unsafe

The floor that you walk on most likely isn’t something you spend much time thinking about, and that probably won’t change even if it’s installed without being leveled.
The problem with the lack of thought is that an uneven floor creates tripping hazards, especially in high-traffic areas, and those are easily avoidable dangers. A level floor takes away the constant risk of tripping and falling in your own home.

Without Leveling, Your Floor May Collect Moisture

As we stated previously, an uneven subfloor comes complete with gaps – and those gaps can easily collect moisture and cold air, which makes a great breeding ground for mold and mildew. The consistency of a level floor provides insulation that an uneven floor just can’t promise.

Don’t Skip This Crucial Step

You’ll never regret taking the time to level your floor, as a level floor is smooth, even, secure, and long-lasting. If you’re unsure about the process or if you’d rather entrust the job to the professionals, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Goshen Floor Mart.

If you're in the market for flooring feel free to contact Goshen Floor Mart. Remember, we are always happy to provide you with a free estimate. Call us today at 574.642.4770 or contact us here