7 Common Karndean Flooring Problems (Explained With Solution)

As vinyl plank flooring construction technology has advanced, its quality and aesthetics have improved. As a result, it offers several advantages over traditional laminate and vinyl plank flooring.

However, Karndean flooring has its pitfalls, which could be the highlight to help you determine if it is worth your money. But before we look into Karndean flooring problems, let’s have a piece of informed information about Karndean flooring for the benefit of your purchase decision.

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What is Karndean Flooring?

Karandean flooring is a luxury or improvised vinyl plank flooring type that mimics the look of tile, wood or stone. Karndean flooring differs from traditional vinyl plank flooring. Offers robust construction and warmth, is resistant to water and scratch water, and is quiet. Therefore, it is undeniably unique, resilient, comfortable and durable.

Karndean flooring is versatile because you can choose from limestone, marble, slate, granite, tiles, wood planks, and more. Better yet, it is already pre-sealed, making it easy to clean and doesn’t require waxing or any other finishing and refinishing treatments, making it a low-maintenance investment.

In addition, it comes in an array of colors, styles and textures that are suitable for your interior space décor. Since it offers more than the traditional vinyl plank flooring, be willing to pay more as it is not a low-cost product.

The high-cost production of Karndean flooring is because it is made out of high-quality dual PVC floorboard backing, a high-resolution photographic layer, and transparent PVC, including a top PU protective coating.

Moreover, the Karndean plank layers range between 20-30 mils which are thick enough to withstand weight pressure and foot traffic. Because of this, it is primarily used for commercial flooring and wet areas and is recommended by professional floor builders.

However, it would be wise to settle for a product you can easily maintain despite offering more advantages. That’s because this flooring is also susceptible to damages brought by installation issues and physical or environmental elements.

And for this reason, we have conducted adequate research on your behalf beforehand about the problems you will or may experience if you opt for Karndean flooring.

Karndean Flooring Problems – What You Need to Know

Like any other synthetic flooring, there are a few problems related to Karndean flooring worth noting before purchasing it. You can avoid most of the reported or highlighted problems by homeowners if you understand and adhere to the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial when claiming a warranty, as not following them can result in the warranty not being honored. Below is the list of problems or challenges you will likely spot on the Karndean flooring:

1. Installing Over Unlevel Floors

Poor leveling and subfloor preparation are common problems affecting all kinds of flooring, including Karndean. Poor preparation can lead to numerous problems, including buckling, mildew growth, and gaps between planks.

In particular, Karndean flooring offers a wide array of options, but only a few can be considered loose-lay or click-locking floating flooring options. Many options are available under the Glue-Down format, which requires tiles/planks to be glued down to the subfloor. It can be a problem for inexperienced DIYers.

Solution

Level and prepare your subfloor for vinyl floor installation. I recommend calling the Karndean flooring company to do the installation instead of doing it yourself this way you will not void the warranty.

Also See: How to Prepare a Subfloor for Vinyl Flooring

2. Scratching

Minor scuffs and scratches are less visible on Karndean flooring. Still, the protective film of Karndean cannot withstand blemishes and superficial scratches. Hence, it is worth noting is not scratch-proof flooring. It can develop scratches when you drag or drop sharp objects or heavy objects like furniture. Aside from heavy and sharp objects, don’t let your kids and pet scratch the floor while playing.

Solution

It would be wise to be very careful when dragging heavy objects or living objects with sharp edges or ends across the floor. It can cause severe damage, resulting in a costly replacement.

More importantly, it would help if you were concerned and careful about your pets and kids because they can scratch and damage your expensive Karndean flooring. Or, you may opt for high-quality Karndean flooring with coated and weathered floorboards, but remember, it comes at a higher price.

Suppose your budget is not enough for premium Karndean flooring. In that case, you can place a protective film over the flooring before installing it. If the furniture is heavy, it would be better to install protective padding underneath the base to reduce the pressure on the floorboards and scratching against the surface.

Must See: A Guide to Remove Rubber Marks from Vinyl Flooring

3. Discoloration

Don’t be surprised if you spot Karndean vinyl floors fading, especially near the window or areas that receive direct sunlight. Besides coming already pre-waxed, and PU coated, this type of flooring cannot withstand excessive and direct sunlight. Since the sun’s UV rays are powerful enough to cause oxidation, the flooring discolors.

Solution

We strongly recommend installing drapes on the windows to filter the light to reduce the intensity of UV rays on the floor. Secondly, do not install this type of flooring on outdoor decks where the sunlight hits directly. However, it is worth noting that discoloration is subtle if it has taken several years.

Must See: Does Vinyl Flooring Fade in the Sun? (6 Ways to Prevent From Fading)

4. Peeling At the Edges

If the Karndean is poorly installed along its edges, it may start peeling off with time. This problem is common and evident on glue-down Karndean vinyl flooring, especially when the adhesive is worn out. Consequently, this can lead to further structural damage accelerated by dust and dirt that builds up underneath the peeling. Moreover, it also encourages bacterial growth and peeling.

Solution

Always address the peeling immediately by removing the curling or peeling, reapplying the glue and then gluing down the peeled edges.

However, it would be helpful to check if water is trapped at the edges before applying it because water weakens the adhesive. Please ensure no cracks in the wall where it meets the Karndean flooring.

To prevent water from slipping through the edges, use a transition strip at the corners to let water out and avoid dampening underneath the floorboards. If you find a pool of water near the edges, kindly uninstall the floorboard and underlayment, then lay a brand-new underlayment before installing the Karndean floorboard.

Must See: How to Fix Vinyl Flooring Seams? (A Step By Step Approach)

5. Bouncing or Separation of Floorboards

Poor subfloor installation can cause the Karndean flooring to start bouncing {floating} or separate because they don’t have enough contact points with each other. Make the floor buckle/move up and produce a cracking sound as you walk across the floor instead of staying put.

Solution

You can avoid this issue by ensuring the flooring is installed on an even subfloor. It will create a uniform contact point on the floor. If you spot this issue immediately, uninstall the underlayment and the flooring and then use a spirit level and sanding machine to level out the subfloor.

However, high humidity levels can also cause separation or bouncing of the Karndean flooring. If you live in high-humidity areas, installing a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity to acceptable levels would be helpful. Or you can call in professional services to fix the humidity issue while installing the flooring.

6. Water-Resistant But Not Waterproof

Karndean vinyl tiles are often installed in areas with little foot traffic and minimal wear and tear, which rarely causes problems. But one problem many people face is moisture.

The vinyl tiles can, however, be installed in kitchens without any problems, but they can’t be exposed to water for an extended period because they deteriorate. Mold and mildew development can occur on Karndean tiles if moisture is left standing for hours. Despite its water resistance, Karndean vinyl flooring is not completely waterproof.

Solution

You can only avoid this issue by installing a moisture barrier under vinyl plank flooring or turning on a dehumidifier. Also, you must always keep the floor free from standing water, and if you accidentally drop any liquid or water on the floor, make sure you clean it as soon as possible.

Must See: Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Answered)

7. Warranty Conditions

A limited lifetime warranty covers Karndean products. Many past Karndean customers have been frustrated when they attempted to claim their replacement/return warranty after violating its terms and conditions.

For example, suppose you did not install your floor in a commercial establishment undergoing heavy use before the 15th year (or 20th year, depending on the product). In that case, you cannot claim the warranty for significant floor damage.

General Pros and Cons for Karndean Flooring

Pro’s

Almost any hard-surfaced subfloor can be used to install Karndean flooring.

It is easy to maintain Karndean flooring.
If it needs to be repaired, you can do it easily.
Offers a large range of options with bacterial protection.

Ensures a warm and comfortable walking environment.
The Karndean flooring is extremely versatile and environmentally friendly.
Providing good customer service with a trusted brand of resilient vinyl flooring.

Con’s

The most expensive rigid core floor available.
Installation by a professional is highly recommended instead of doing it yourself

If exposed to direct sunlight for a long period, it can discolor
It is possible to experience Karndean flooring bounce due to improper subfloor installation.
Usually, it starts peeling from the edges.

The surface can be scratched by dragging furniture or heavy objects over it.

Best Reasons to Choose Karndean Flooring

Karndean flooring is a company devoted to manufacturing and distributing high-quality floor coverings. With their award-winning collections and sustainable construction, Karndean is providing a fresh approach to how we create and live in our homes.

Choosing Karndean flooring is a wise choice because it is eco-friendly, making use of recycled materials, reusing resources, reducing emissions, and using less water.

Moreover, a wide range of environmentally friendly premium products are available, including Marmoleum flooring (plank vinyl) and Amtico modular carpet tiles, which offer next generation design possibilities for textiles in the field of natural materials on flooring or carpets through UV light, water boiling, or other extremely destructive methods.

The most exciting thing about Karndean is that as technology advances and ingenious experiments are made, there will never be “not enough” materials available. Additionally, you have the option to choose from wood floors with a 100-year warranty or tiles that are backed with 2-3 year warranties, but are continually refined to meet international standards.

Conclusion

Karndean flooring is gorgeous on floors, but poor installation can make your expensive investment go down the drain. Therefore, don’t DIY Karndean flooring if you don’t know its installation procedure. Instead, you should use a professional call-in service.

All in all, this is not a risky investment because it can last over 15 years and is more eco-friendly than standard vinyl flooring.

Read More on Vinyl Floors

Does Vinyl Flooring Fade in the Sun? (6 Ways to Prevent From Fading)

How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring? (Full Guide)

7 Common Karndean Flooring Problems (Explained With Solution)

What is Karndean Flooring?