FAQ

Q. What are laminate floors and how are they made?
A. Laminate flooring is a versatile, durable, attractive flooring with the appearance of a natural hardwood floor. Although laminate flooring looks like natural wood flooring, there is actually no solid wood used in its construction. Laminate floors are made up of several materials bonded together under high pressure. It consists of a moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard). This is topped with a high resolution photographic image of natural wood flooring. It is then finished with an extremely hard overlay made from aluminum-oxide to protect the plank. This construction also makes laminate flooring more environment-friendly as it can be any fast commercial grown wood species in its core material or recycle wood fiber that is used.
   
Q. What is HDF and what is it made of?
A. High density fiberboard (HDF), is basically a high-density, moisture-resistant fiber panel. It is made of wood residues (sawdust, shavings and wood chips) from wood processing factories. This ligneous material is ground into a pulp to which a melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin is added (E0~E1). This pulp is then dried and pressed into panels.
   
Q. How is the paper applied to the HDF core?
A. The melamine impregnated paper is thermo-fused to the core, topped with an aluminum-oxide wear layer.
   
Q. Where can I install laminate wood flooring?
A. Laminate flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any room of your home, above or below ground, over wood or concrete. There are several locations that are not recommended for laminate flooring. Because laminate flooring is a wood base flooring product it is not recommended that laminates be installed in wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere that may require wet-mopping. Extended exposure to moisture of this type may cause the core of your laminate flooring to warp or swell.
   
Q. What do I need to know before I start installing my laminate floor?
A.

There are several things to consider before you begin to install a laminate floor. Careful preparation before beginning will make installing your laminate floor a quick and easy process.

  • Ensure that your subfloor is flat, dry, and smooth.
  • Always use underlayment under your laminate floor for subfloor uneven adaptation.
  • Laminate flooring and underlayment/vapor barrier can be installed over concrete, wood flooring, vinyl tile, linoleum, tile, or virtually any other hard, flat surface.
  • Take extra care when installing laminate flooring over radiant heating. Ensure that you read both the laminate flooring and radiant heat system instructions carefully before beginning.
  • Read your laminate flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
  • Allow you laminate flooring to acclimatize to the room where it will be installed for as long as possible (min. 48 hours)
  • Inspect each laminate flooring panel carefully for defects or damage before installing it.
   
Q. What do I have to do before installation?
A. Laminate flooring boards must be acclimatized for 48 hours in the room where they will be installed. Installation should take place at room temperature of at least 65°F (15°C). A floor surface temperature of 59°F and an overall room temperature of 64°F must be ensured before, during and three days after the installation.
   
Q. What is an underlayment?
A. The term "underlayment" refers to any roll or sheet product designed to be installed over the sub-floor surface and under the laminate flooring material. Normally come with PE Form & Plastic Sheet used for: (1) improve acoustical properties, (2) smooth out minor sub-floor imperfections, (3) improve insulation properties, (4) reduce walking fatigue, and (5) helping to protect the laminate flooring material from sub-floor moisture.
   
Q. How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring?
A. To decide where to begin the layout of your floor, consider incoming light. It is usually best to install laminate flooring with the planks running parallel to light coming in windows or glass doors. For any installation, the starting wall should be as long and straight as possible.
   
Q. What is the reason for the necessary 10mm gap left around the perimeter of the interior and around other obstacles within it?
A. Because laminate flooring is derived from wood, it is subject to expansion caused by room temperatures and humidity levels. An expansion gap is a necessary part of any successful installation because it allows space for the expansion of the floor as it responds to these external influences of temperature and humidity. When it is exposed to warmer temperatures, or to increased humidity, laminate flooring planks expand outward. Leaving out the essential element of an outside gap can cause the buckling of the individual laminate flooring planks as the planks push outward against walls or other obstacles.
   
Q. How do I clean my laminate flooring?
A.

Laminate flooring is a beautiful, low maintenance, long-lasting flooring. There are several simple steps that you can take to keep your laminate flooring clean and to ensure that you get many years of service from it. Simply dust mop or vacuum with a soft brush or wood floor accessory to keep your laminate floor clean from dust, dirt or grit.

  • A damp cloth or mop can be used without damage to the laminate flooring panels, but do not use excessive water. Dry the floor thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
  • Blot up spills or water from wet feet or footwear immediately with a clean, dry cloth, sponge, or paper towel. Do not allow excess liquid to remain on the surface of your laminate floor.
  • Do not use soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, or combined “clean and shine” products on your laminate floor.
  • Do not use steel wool or other scouring pads that may scratch laminate panels.
  • Do not polish your laminate flooring.
  • Do not steam clean or use chemicals that may damage the laminate flooring surface.
For stubborn spots or stains on laminate flooring use acetone or nail polish remover on stubborn substances such as tar, asphalt, paint, or oil. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
   
Q. What is the wear rating for CLEO product?
A. All laminate flooring products from CLEO have an AC3 rating (suitable for all residential applications in addition to light commercial applications such as hotel rooms and small offices). AC4 is available for additional USD 0.40/m2.
   
Q. What is a laminate flooring AC rating?
A. AC hardness ratings are a standardized measure adopted by The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF) . The AC measure rates abrasion resistance, impact resistance, resistance to staining and cigarette burns, and thickness swelling along edges. If a laminate flooring cannot meet the requirements for each of these ratings, approval for a given AC rating will be denied. All laminate flooring distributed by CLEO has a minimum punishment class of 23 for residential use (heavy) and 31 for commercial use (moderate), or an AC3 rating. AC ratings 4 and 5 are equally suitable for residential use as AC3 but somewhat more suitable for high traffic commercial applications. AC ratings below 3 are recommended for low traffic residential use only. Here is a more detailed guide:
   
 
  • AC1 is suitable for lighter, more infrequent traffic, e.g. a bedroom.
  • AC2 is suitable for general residential use in living rooms and dining rooms. 
  • AC3 can be applied to more varied locations, such as small offices and other light commercial location
  • AC4 can be installed in higher traffic commercial areas such as boutiques, busier offices, and restaurant
  • AC5 is more durable still and can withstand the traffic of heavier commercial areas such as department stores and public buildings.
   
Q. What are the warranties given on CLEO laminate product?
A.

CLEO provide a stringent triple warranty of 15 years for Residential Usage and 5 years for Light 
Commercial Usage against:

  • Structural Warranty
  • No-Wear-Thru Warranty
  • No-Staining Warranty
   
Q. When ordering containers, can I mix-and-match on colors and styles of material?
A. Yes, Now you can place order in the way you like. Different from the traditional way of ordering, which always comes with the minimum order quantity of 1 color/container, we now provide you an option where LCL and Mix Color/container order is accepted.
   
Q. How do I obtain samples?
A. Please refer to our “Flooring Collection” for the color (product code) that you would like to have as sample. Email to our export sales rep and we will prepare it for you.

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