Does Luxury Vinyl Flooring Need to Be Acclimated?
Monday, February 17, 2025-
3
mins
Footsteps echo differently on a perfectly installed luxury vinyl floor. With over a decade of expertise serving Ottawa and surrounding communities, our flooring specialists have encountered a recurring question that deserves careful attention: the acclimation process for luxury vinyl flooring.\
Understanding acclimation: More than just waiting
Luxury vinyl flooring has revolutionized the flooring industry with its durability, water resistance, and stunning designs. However, its installation success heavily depends on a crucial step that many homeowners might not realize: acclimation. This process allows the flooring material to adjust to its new environment's temperature and humidity levels.\
Why acclimation matters for luxury vinyl
Like all flooring materials, luxury vinyl responds to its environment. Temperature fluctuations and humidity levels can cause the material to expand or contract. When properly acclimated, your luxury vinyl flooring maintains its dimensional stability, preventing future issues like buckling, gapping, or lifting at the edges.\
The science behind the process
Temperature variations between storage facilities, delivery trucks, and your home can significantly impact luxury vinyl flooring. Moving from a cold warehouse to a warm house creates thermal shock, which can affect the material's properties. Proper acclimation allows the flooring to reach equilibrium with its new environment.\
Professional acclimation guidelines
The acclimation process requires specific conditions and timing:
- Maintain room temperature between 18-29°C (65-85°F) for at least 48 hours
- Keep relative humidity between 35-55%
- Store boxes flat in the installation area
- Allow 48-72 hours for complete acclimation
- Remove packaging but stack planks carefully
Environmental considerations
In Ottawa's varying climate, acclimation becomes even more critical. Seasonal temperature changes and humidity fluctuations make proper conditioning essential for long-term flooring performance. Professional installation teams understand these local environmental factors and adjust acclimation periods accordingly.\
Beyond acclimation: Installation excellence
Professional installation combines proper acclimation with precise subfloor preparation, appropriate underlayment selection, and expert installation techniques. This comprehensive approach ensures your luxury vinyl flooring performs optimally for years to come.\
Your role in the process
While professionals handle the technical aspects of installation, homeowners can help by:
- Maintaining consistent indoor temperature
- Using appropriate humidity control systems
- Keeping doors and windows closed during acclimation
- Following maintenance recommendations after installation
Ensuring lasting beauty in your space
The success of any flooring project relies heavily on those crucial first steps. Proper acclimation, while requiring patience, protects your investment and ensures your new luxury vinyl flooring performs as intended for years to come.\
Experience the difference with Advantage Flooring
For over a decade, Advantage Flooring has provided expert flooring solutions throughout Ottawa and surrounding communities. Our shop-at-home service brings flooring expertise directly to residents in Ottawa, Manotick, Nepean, Kanata, and Orleans, ON. As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we prioritize eco-friendly materials and installation practices. Schedule your personal consultation today and discover how our experienced team can transform your space with properly acclimated, professionally installed luxury vinyl flooring.