Fluctuating temperatures cause the materials within the laminate plank to expand and contract. Because laminate is installed as a 'floating floor,' it requires space to move freely. Expansion gaps—typically 1/4 to 3/8 inches around the perimeter—allow for this natural movement. If these gaps are filled or omitted, the internal pressure generated by the floor's expansion will eventually overcome the structural capacity of the joints, causing the floor to lift or buckle in response to the changing climate.
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How does temperature fluctuation affect laminate expansion gaps?
Laminate is a wood-based product that naturally expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Without adequate expansion gaps at the room perimeter, these shifts cause the planks to press against each other, potentially leading to buckling, peaking, or joint damage.