SPC flooring is one of the most stable and durable flooring solutions currently available. However, incorrect installation of SPC flooring can lead to serious problems, regardless of product quality.
In this article, we analyze the most common mistakes encountered when installing SPC flooring, with an emphasis on screed flatness, an essential factor for both SPC and laminate flooring.
1. Failure to ensure screed flatness – a critical factor for click joints
The most important condition for correct installation of SPC flooring is screed flatness, not the presence or absence of visible unevenness.
A screed may appear "flat," but if it does not meet flatness tolerances, problems will arise over time.
Why is flatness so important?
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the click system is constantly stressed under traffic
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lack of flatness leads to tension in the joints
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over time, the planks can pop out of the click system
👉 The exact same phenomenon occurs with laminate flooring. If the subfloor is not flat, the joints will fail regardless of the flooring type.
Technical recommendation: the maximum allowable deviation is approximately 2 mm per 2 linear meters. Any deviation beyond this limit must be corrected before installation.
2. Installation without acclimatizing SPC flooring
Even if SPC is dimensionally very stable, the planks must be left in the room for a minimum of 24–48 hours before installation.
Without acclimatization:
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micro-tensions can appear in the click system
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the joints are unnecessarily stressed
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the durability of the installation decreases
3. Lack of expansion joint
Another common mistake is installing the flooring right up to the wall, without an expansion gap.
Even though SPC has minimal expansion, a perimeter joint is mandatory:
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prevents tension build-up
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protects the click joints
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ensures long-term flooring stability
✔️ Recommended gap: 5–10 mm, later concealed with skirting.
4. Ignoring the fact that SPC Softambient flooring has integrated IXPE underlayment
An important aspect, often misunderstood, relates to the underlayment.
👉 Softambient SPC flooring comes with an integrated 1.5 mm IXPE underlayment, which:
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completely replaces a separate underlayment
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reduces impact noise
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compensates for micro-imperfections in the subfloor
⚠️ Note: the IXPE underlayment does not correct lack of flatness. If the screed is not flat, joint problems will occur regardless of the underlayment thickness.
5. Incorrect installation of the click system (excessive tapping or misalignment)
Another frequent reason for problems is forcing the click system during installation.
Common mistakes:
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excessive tapping with a hammer
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incorrect alignment of planks
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installation at the wrong angle
These mistakes can damage the click system during the installation phase, and over time the planks will come out of the joint.
6. Lack of final checks after installation
Professional installation involves final checks:
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flooring stability
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joints between planks
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general alignment of rows
Neglecting these steps leads to visible problems shortly after use.
Where can you see and test SPC flooring before purchasing?
At Softambient, we offer you:
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SPC flooring with delivery throughout Romania
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Târgoviște showroom, Gării no. 1
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or sample request by courier, directly to your home
This way, you can personally check the material quality and the click system before installation.
Conclusion
Whether we are talking about SPC flooring or laminate flooring, screed flatness is essential. If the subfloor is not flat, the click system will be constantly stressed, and over time the planks will come out of the joint.
Correct installation always starts with a well-prepared base.
