Answer
May 05, 2021 - 09:32 AM
This is a question we get all the time.If your laminate floors are off-gassing, this process will honestly continue to happen regardless if you cover them up, or coat or cover the top surface with something. Because they are there, and going to do their thing, until they are done. If they can no longer off-gas upward, they will off-gas from the sides and downward, and that off-gassing will seep back into your airspace. If you liken a home to a biological body, laminate is toxic and will continue to be toxic for the rest of the body the longer it is contained within it.That said, however, there are some things that can affect how much/often off-gassing occurs. For example heat and sunlight can be two big factors, if the laminate floor gets no light and has a layer of insulation (i.e. another floor installed above it) that prevents it from getting too warm, that can help cut down on off-gassing. Not eliminate, but cut down. Less off-gassing *could* mean you are making your home less-toxic. Continuing with the body analogy, if the goal is the healthiest body possible, wouldn't you do everything you could to remove the toxic influences? Stay away from junk food, cigarette smoke, things that make that body sick. If you can, we strongly recommend you remove the laminate before installing this floor, that is the healthiest/cleanest stride toward a less-toxic home.
