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Q Why does my SPC flooring smell after installation?
A The smell usually comes from the production process, not the core material itself. It typically dissipates within a few days to two weeks with proper ventilation.
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Q How do I replace a damaged SPC plank?
A Cut the damaged plank into sections with a circular saw, remove the pieces, clean the area, cut the locking tab off the new plank, apply adhesive, and insert the replacement plank.
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Q Can SPC flooring be installed over radiant heating?
A Yes, SPC flooring is compatible with radiant heating systems. The maximum surface temperature should not exceed 27°C (80°F). Use proper underlayment designed for radiant heating.
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Q Why is my SPC flooring buckling?
A Buckling is usually caused by insufficient expansion gaps, exposure to extreme heat, or moisture from the subfloor. Check the expansion gaps and ensure proper subfloor preparation.
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Q Which is better for commercial kitchens, SPC or SWF?
A SWF is better for commercial kitchens. It has A level fire rating and is fully waterproof. SPC is only Class A fire rated and may not meet strict fire codes for commercial cooking areas.
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Q What flooring has A level fire rating?
A SWF flooring is certified A level fireproof, the highest fire rating classification. It is ideal for hospitals, schools, commercial kitchens, and other fire-sensitive environments.
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Q Which flooring does not need expansion gaps?
A MFB flooring has extremely low dimensional change with only 0.05% shrinkage and 0.5% swell rate. In most residential applications, expansion gaps can be minimized or eliminated, unlike SPC and laminate which require standard gaps.
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Q What flooring is completely waterproof with zero swelling?
A MFB flooring uses a mineral fiber core with near-zero swell rate of 0.5% and shrinkage of 0.05%, far better than any wood-based flooring. It handles bathrooms, basements, and outdoor covered areas where SPC and laminate cannot.
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Q Does SPC flooring need expansion gaps?
A Yes, SPC flooring expands and contracts with temperature changes. Leave a 5mm to 8mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room and cover with baseboards or transition strips.
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Q Can SPC flooring be installed in bathrooms?
A We do not recommend SPC flooring for bathrooms. While the core is waterproof, water can seep through the locking joints and cause issues over time. For bathrooms, consider MFB flooring.
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Q How flat does the subfloor need to be for SPC flooring?
A The subfloor must be flat within 3mm over 2 meters. Any dips or bumps beyond this tolerance will cause locking joint failure, gaps, or hollow sounds after installation.
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Q Does SPC flooring need underlayment?
A Underlayment for SPC flooring is mainly used for sound reduction and comfort underfoot. It is often required in commercial buildings like hotels, hospitals, and offices where noise control matters. A good underlayment also improves the feel of the floor. However, thicker is not always better. A thick underlayment on thin SPC planks can cause the locking joints to break under pressure.
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Q Can SPC flooring be installed over concrete?
A Yes, but the concrete must be tested for moisture first using a calcium chloride test. The subfloor must be flat within 3mm over 2 meters and fully cured for at least 60 days. A vapor barrier underlayment is required to prevent moisture from the concrete reaching the flooring.
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Q Is SPC flooring better than laminate?
A Laminate flooring offers a more realistic wood grain texture and better scratch resistance thanks to its aluminum oxide surface. SPC is fully waterproof and more dimensionally stable. Choose laminate for living areas where scratch resistance matters, choose SPC for moisture-prone areas like kitchens.
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Q What thickness SPC flooring should I choose?
A For residential use, 4mm to 5mm SPC is sufficient. For commercial spaces, 5mm to 6mm is recommended. Thicker planks offer better stability but do not necessarily mean better waterproof performance.
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Q What are the advantages of SPC flooring?
A SPC is dimensionally stable, waterproof, and affordable. It handles temperature changes well, resists scratches, and is suitable for most residential and commercial dry areas.
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Q Is SPC flooring really waterproof?
A Yes, SPC flooring is waterproof at the core level. The stone plastic composite core does not absorb water. For extreme moisture areas like bathrooms, we recommend our MFB mineral core flooring.
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Q What is the warranty on SPC flooring?
A Most SPC flooring comes with a 10 to 25 year residential warranty and 5 to 15 year commercial warranty depending on the wear layer thickness. Always check the warranty terms before purchasing.
