Malmo LVT Flooring | FAQs

Malmo LVT Flooring | FAQs
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Malmo LVT Flooring | FAQs

Rooms

Can Malmo™ LVT be used in a garden room?

Yes, Malmo™ Stickdown Freedom LVT is suitable for use in garden rooms, as the fully adhered installation means it can cope with the extreme variations in temperature. It is also water and UV resistant, but as with all flooring installations you must ensure that the subfloor is correctly prepared. It should be clean, dry, and level, and depending on the building construction and subfloor material, additional preparation (eg adding a moisture barrier or levelling compound), may be necessary.

Can Malmo™ be used in commercial environments, eg shops or offices?

Yes, Malmo™ has up to 10 years warranty for light commercial use.  The versatile range of designs provide durability in high-traffic areas, are easy to maintain, and provide up to 19dB sound absorption for more comfortable and quiet environments.  With a wear layer of up to 0.55mm and an Aluminium Oxide coating as standard on all Stickdown Freedom designs, we offer a high performance solution without compromising on style.


Preperation

Do I need to remove my existing flooring before laying Malmo™ LVT?

Not always… are you surprised?!

If installing Stickdown LVT, you must ALWAYS remove any existing floorcoverings, and ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, level, and free from any imperfections.

However, Rigid LVT was originally created for the purpose of laying over the top of existing hard floorcoverings, such as tiles or wood.  It’s a “floating floor” and not affixed to any surfaces, so the flooring underneath will remain undamaged when the LVT is removed.  This can be ideal for rental properties where permanent changes are not allowed; when the cost, mess or time to remove the existing floorcovering is not practical; or for occasions when you may want to freshen up the style of a room but without permanently losing the original features. 

The same preparation requirements are needed when laying over an existing hard floorcovering as directly the subfloor, such as being clean, dry and no more than a 2mm level variance in a 2m x 2m area.

LVT CANNOT be laid over other floorcoverings such as lino, or carpet.  For further information, please check out their Installation Instructions.

How do I hide expansion gaps?

Expansion gaps are only required for Rigid LVT flooring, not Stickdown.  They’re a must around the perimeter of the room, in doorways (even if the adjoining room is the same product), and around fixed furniture and fittings such as kitchen cabinetry, fireplaces, etc.

You absolutely must NOT fill these gaps with silicone, as this will prevent the expansion and contraction of the floor and cause failure issues.  Instead, there are a number of options including affixing the skirting board to the wall after the floor installation; fixing a scotia or quarter-round moulding to the wall/skirting; and threshold/transition strips or T-bars in doorways or between two different floorcoverings.  You must not affix any of these items to the floorcovering.

What tools do I need to install Malmo™ LVT?

No specialist tools are required - you don’t even need any power tools!  All our Rigid and Stickdown LVT floors are easy to cut with a Stanley knife, and do not require a tapping block to fit together.  In addition to this you’ll need the usual items you would expect to use for any DIY project, such as a tape measure, pencil, set-square, spirit level, safety equipment (such as goggles, gloves, and knee protectors if desired), and spacers if installing a Rigid product.


Cleaning & Maintenance

Will my Malmo™ floor get damaged by heels?

Malmo™ floors are durable and designed to withstand the rigours of everyday life.  However, very sharp or stiletto-style heels with narrow points may exert more pressure on the flooring surface, increasing the risk of indentations or damage. Thicker or wider heels distribute the weight more evenly and are less likely to cause issues.  Ultimately, when combined with the use of entrance mats at doorways to trap dirt and grit, Malmo™ can withstand occasional contact with heels without the expectation of significant damage.


General

What is the difference between Rigid and Stickdown LVT?

Stickdown LVT tends to be thinner than Rigid, and is directly adhered to the subfloor as individual planks or tiles – therefore it requires professional installation, but can be used in conservatories and garden rooms and doesn’t require expansion gaps around the edge of the room. 

Rigid LVT is thicker, quicker and easier to fit, with planks interlocking together and being placed over the subfloor with no adhesive being used (a “floating floor”).  For these reasons, it can be laid over an existing hard floor covering such as wood or tiles, but it needs expansion gaps around the edge of the room to accommodate expansion and contraction of the material.

Does LVT flooring feel cold?

No - LVT flooring feels naturally warmer underfoot than many other materials such as concrete or ceramic tiles.  However, for maximum cosiness all Malmo™ products are suitable for installation over encased water piped heating systems.

Does Malmo™ LVT have a shiny surface?

No - all Malmo™ products feature a stylish and practical matt finish, providing the realistic texture and appearance of real wood or ceramic.  In addition, our Senses collections combine a registered embossed texture that’s perfectly in-line with the visual pattern of the woodgrain for enhanced authenticity.

Is LVT flooring noisy?

No - LVT flooring is generally quieter compared to other hard floorcoverings such as ceramic tiles or laminate. The product construction results in less sound transmission, and with a 1mm foam underlay already attached, our Rigid products are proven to reduce sound by at least 19+dB.

Is Malmo™ flooring suitable for homes with pets?

Yes, Malmo™ is an ideal choice for homes with pets! It’s hardwearing, durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.  LVT is more sound absorbent than many other hard floorcoverings, reducing the noise from clicking claws on the surface.   It’s also slip resistant and easy to clean and maintain, allowing fuss-free clean up from muddy paws, spills and accidents, and fluff and fur.

Can I get matching accessories and trims for Malmo™ LVT flooring?

No – not yet!


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