Flooring That Does Not Need Expansion Gaps Zero Movement Core
Expansion gaps are standard for almost all flooring. Laminate, SPC, LVT, hardwood. They all require a space around the room perimeter to allow for expansion. But some products have such low expansion that the gap can be eliminated.
Why Expansion Gaps Exist
All flooring materials change size with temperature and humidity. Heat makes materials expand. Moisture makes materials expand. The expansion gap gives the floor room to grow without buckling.
For large rooms, the expansion gap must be larger. For rooms over 40 feet, intermediate gaps at doorways are required. This creates visual breaks in the floor.
Which Flooring Has the Least Expansion
Laminate expands the most. The HDF core is wood based and sensitive to humidity. A 40 foot long laminate floor can expand by 8mm or more across seasonal changes.
SPC expands less. The stone content provides some stability but the PVC component still expands with heat. SPC also softens in heat which can cause the planks to deform.
MFB has near zero expansion. The mineral fiber core is not affected by moisture or temperature. A 40 foot long MFB floor changes size by less than 1mm across all seasons.
What This Means for Installation
With MFB, the expansion gap can be as small as 2mm to 3mm. This is small enough to cover with a thin bead of silicone or a narrow trim profile. No need for thick baseboards. No need for T moldings in doorways.
For open concept homes, MFB can be installed continuously through the entire space without intermediate expansion gaps. The floor moves so little that it stays flat across long runs.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER MFB flooring has the lowest expansion rate in the rigid core category. Contact us for expansion specifications.
