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Laminate flooring is commonly referred to as floating wood tile, and it is a synthetic flooring product made up of several layers fused through lamination. 

Laminate flooring has grown popular in recent days because of its ease of installation and maintenance. For the same reason, it is being used on walls in addition to it being elegant.

Here is a complete guide on how to install and care for laminate flooring on walls;

How To Install Laminate Flooring On Walls

Laminate flooring is the right step to take towards making your home much more comfortable and pleasant. 

Before you start the installation, you need to ensure that the walls are flat so that the flooring is not crooked. You also have to turn off the power when working around outlets or light switches.

1. Measure the length and width of the wall to get the area needing to be covered and the amount of laminate flooring you would require. Get 10% more to account for errors in cutting. 
2. Remove the baseboard from the wall and start tracing the studs using an electronic stud finder.
3. Mark the vertical lines all over the studs since you will need to work with them.
4. Before you begin the installation, check every plank keenly for damage. In case it is cracked or broken, do not use it.
5. Lay the planks on the floor below the wall with the decorated side up. 
6. Put together the short ends and measure the bottom row. Ensure the planks fit the wall, and then cut it, leaving a 3/16 inch gap to the next wall.
7. Carefully flip the plant over, ensuring that it stays straight, well-aligned, and all the edges are square and tight. If the wall is big, you might need help with flipping the plank.
8. Apply a layer of 100% Silicon adhesive caulk to the tongue side of the plank.
9. Carefully tilt the planks towards the wall with the glued side facing the wall, ensure it is levelled, and then press it firmly to the wall.
10. Drive a brad nail through the extended groove on the planks into the wall studs. Ensure the brad nail heads are not raised, but they should not go all the way through to allow for easy installation of the subsequent layer.
11. Start to fit the second row from the right side. Fit the plank into the groove by angling and wiggling it into place.
12. Drive a brad nail through the extended groove on the planks into the wall studs.
13. You will modify the second-row plank by cutting off the short end tongue with a utility knife to get a square end. This modification will allow the pieces to fit into each other perfectly, making for a much better look.
14. Apply silicone adhesive caulk along the tongue side of the plant in an “S” pattern and tilt the boards into place.
15. Tighten the joints to get the best look using a tapping block, then drive a brad nail through the extended groove on the planks into the wall studs.
16. Repeat this up to the last row of the wall. For inside corners and ceiling, you should use quarter round boards.
17. Use painter’s tape to mark the stud for the final row’s nailing. Then, cut the planks to fit in the required width and finish it as you did the rest.

How To Care For Your Laminate Floored Walls

Laminate flooring is made solid and durable, but you need to take good care of it to ensure it lasts long. Here are some tips on how to take care of laminate flooring on your wall;

• Dry wiping should be the primary cleaning method. The planks can resist small amounts of moisture, but you must never get them wet. You can occasionally add some water to the duster to make it cleaner.
• Wipe off any spills as soon as they happen. Do not let the spills stay on the wall for more than 30 minutes since they will get into the planks and cause buckling, which will ruin the décor.
• Never wet wash the planks; never use detergents, soaps, waxes, polishes or abrasives on the surface.
• If you need to get stains out, use 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of water or 1/3 cup of ammonia in a gallon of water.
• Do not hang objects such as pictures and television mounts on the laminate. Instead, drill a hole through the laminate flooring and mount the objects on the wall studs. The hole should be larger than the fastener used to ensure it doesn’t affect the planks.

How To Deal With A Damaged Laminate Flooring Plank

You might take good care of your wall but still, end up getting some damages due to accidents. Another problem that could cause the need for repair is buckling.

This occurs when the planks don’t have enough space to expand and contract with temperature variations.

Solving this problem depends on the cause. You need to figure out the cause of the buckling, fix it then replace the damaged planks. Here are several reasons that could cause buckling and how you can fix them;

Water Damage

Water could have seeped into the laminate flooring through the wall or floor when the water floods. This accumulation of water could cause the planks to swell up and ruin your décor.

To prevent this, ensure that all the piping is thorough and the walls are wiped clean. Also, keep water away from the walls. 

If you have the wall installed in the kitchen or at any high-risk location, you should add water-resistant glue to protect the planks.

Movement restrictions and floatation

This will come about when the planks are fitted too closely together. There should be an expansion gap in between the planks to deal with this problem. The hole will allow the planks to expand when it gets hot without bending. 

If the wall gets buckled, remove the affected area after solving the problem and replace it with a new part. Before you complete reinstallation, check to ensure that all the locking mechanism is in place.

Advantages Of Laminate Flooring On Walls

Laminate flooring would look amazing on any wall, be it residential or business. If you are considering going in this direction, then here are some factors that should help you make the decision; 

Laminate flooring is robust, durable and scratch-resistant surface

These aspects come together to make it highly durable and best suited for a place with a lot of traffic or a house with children and or pets.

Tough external layers protect it; this will go a long way in keeping good looks without needing repairs. Compared to paint, this is a much better choice.

It is easy to install

Compared to other flooring options, laminate floors are easy to install, and most people can even do it independently. This is because the planks are designed to interlock, which makes them easy to work with.

You can float it over the existing wall, which will save a lot of time compared to other options requiring you to remove the previous décor. So, again, this will save on your time and money.

It is cheaper than traditional hardware

Laminate flooring has a fantastic look and quality with amazingly low prices. There are many laminate flooring choices for every price range to ensure you cut down on your budget.

It is versatile

This means that it can be installed on any wall, whether concrete or any other existing final walls. It is also sold in a wide range of stone, wood and tile finishes.

All of the products are available in different colours, thicknesses, plank styles and surface treatments. You will therefore be able to get a product that is perfect for you.

Laminate is easy to clean

The surface is both moisture and stain resistant which makes it easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is wipe the surface, and it will be good as new.

It has no spaces to trap dust or any other foreign material. This makes it hypo-allergic, and its lower side has a moisture barrier which makes it mould resistant. 

Conclusion

Installing Laminate flooring on walls is a simple process that most people can do. The vital part is nailing the planks onto the studs in the wall and keeping them well aligned. 

Leave some space for the planks to expand and contract during major temperature changes. Make sure you install the laminate in a place that will not have a lot of water. 

They are moisture-resistant but cannot handle a lot of water. Laminate flooring is a fantastic option for your wall, and it easy to maintain, so get your décor upgraded now.

Although this doesn’t happen often, a time will come when you will need to disconnect your gas stove. 

You may want to do this so that you can perform a thorough cleaning on it, or to change the stove entirely, or replace a damaged connector. Whatever your reason is, you may be wondering if you can disconnect the stove by yourself.

Alright, here’s the question:

How should you disconnect a gas stove?

Disconnecting a gas stove is not complicated. You will also not experience any problems if you check for leaks and turn off the gas flow to that particular line. After that, all you have to do is turn off the gas stove’s valve, cap the appliance’s pipe, and disconnect the entire stove.

Alright, that’s the answer to the question. If you own a gas stove and know nothing about disconnecting it, this guide will teach you how to disconnect a gas stove and other important information.

Continue reading for more!

How To Disconnect A Gas Stove Without The Help Of A Professional

When it comes to using a gas stove in your home, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry. Gas stoves can cause damages to a property when not handled properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disconnect a gas stove;

Step 1: Move Out The Stove

When you want to disconnect your gas stove, you have to prepare the stove by moving it from behind the wall, where you kept it. It will help if you have protected your kitchen floor when you are moving the stove. To avoid scratching, find a large piece of wood or a Masonite that can cover your kitchen floor.

Place the wooden plan in front of the gas stove and slowly lift it off the ground. Some gas stoves come with an anti-slip frame attached to them. The frame that comes with your stove is a safety appliance attached to the wall. If you put enough pressure on the door in front of your gas stove, the lower edge of the appliance will easily slide into the frame. 

Now, locate the metal framework on the wall after you slide your stove from the wall a little bit. If you find it, keep sliding the stove until the edge of the device is separated from the frame. 

To access the gas line connection:

1. Use any wooden plank to slide the gas stove away from the walls.
2. Place your gas stove on its hind legs and place the wooden plank below.
3. Pull it to the back of the kitchen and place the wood under it as you pull it further.

To give your gas stove enough electricity needed for its electric start mechanism, you must plug in a conventional gas stove. Most gas stoves come with electric starters that help reduce pilot lights.

Find the wire that connects your gas stove to its power source and unplug it. It’s not the regular 220V seen on an electric stove. Instead, it is the 110V one. No extra tool is needed to release the plug. You can easily remove the cord from the outlet.

Step 2: Get your gas stove Disconnected

Now comes the main task. To disconnect your gas stove, you have to disconnect the gas line first. The pipes connecting the gas outlet with the stove are flexible and long. 

Check the pipe to ensure you find the gas shut-off valve. After that, turn the lever so that the gas cuts to the kitchen. 

Viewing the shutdown is usually not easy, but you can search for the closest shut-off valve by tracing the air path down to your basement. Alternatively, you can check below or above the gas meter to find the main valve.

When you turn off the gas, you will find the hose connector. The hose connector connects the gas to the stove. Now, use a wrench to free the connector. Note that the pipe has to be connected to your kitchen in case of installation in your new home.

How Do I Shut Off The Gas To A Stove At The Gas Shut-Off Valve?

All home appliances that use liquid propane (LP) gas or natural gas are can potentially cause a fire hazard. Appliances that can be powered by gas include space heaters, cooktop ranges, water heaters, furnaces, ovens, and stoves. 

If you have any of these appliances, it is important to know where the gas shut-off valve is. It is safe for you to shut off the gas if the gas odor is faint and the odor is coming from the stove area.

If you want to turn off the gas, use the gas shut-off valve connected to the flexible supply line. These days, building codes make sure the gas shut-off valve is located within 6 feet of the stove. If you find an unusual situation, call a service person to help you install a proper shut-off valve for your gas.

You can find the shut-off valves for standard (freestanding) gas stoves behind the gas.

How To Clean Your Gas Stovetop

Spritz degreaser or liquid soap on your gas stovetop and give it a few minutes to penetrate all the greasy buildup on the stove. With a soft scouring pad, take off any bits that have stuck to the stove’s surface.

Use a clean paper towel to wipe down your gas stovetop and remove all the grease and grime. If the buildup is much, there may be a need to repeat the cleaning process until your towels come up clean.

Do Gas Stove Need Electricity To Function?

No! Gas stoves do not require electricity to function. Instead, they create the electricity they need by using a thermopile integrated into their pilot light. The thermopile helps to create enough electricity need to open and close the gas valve. If your gas stove also has a fan, then it will need electricity to operate the fan.

Do You Need To Clean Your Gas Door?

You do not need to clean your gas doors regularly. Cleaning your gas doors once or twice a year is okay to ensure that they are clean. The amount of buildup that will stick to your glass will be determined by the fuel to air mixture.

Do I Need The Service Of A Plumber To Disconnect My Gas Stove?

Yes. Most plumbers are qualified to help you disconnect your gas stoves. A certified plumber can disconnect stoves powered by propane Plumbers can handle anything that has to do with/ or is related to piping that runs through the home, including water, gas, electricity, etc. 

So, if you want to call a plumber to help you disconnect your gas, go ahead. What matters is how comfortable you are in disconnecting the gas by yourself. If you are not comfortable doing it, don’t force it. Some professionals can handle it. You won’t regret having a professional do it for you.

Make sure you inform the professionals what you want them to do to give you an accurate quote. Sometimes, the expert will charge you about $150 to help you to disconnect your gas stove. They may also charge an hourly rate of $50 to $80 per hour. 

What Do I Do If I Smell Gas?

If you notice a gas smell permeating your entire home or you walk into the house and you are welcomed with a strong smell, leave the house immediately. Don’t try to run in and off your gas. Call 9-1-1 while you are a bit far away from the building.

However, if the odor of the gas is not strong and covers just a small area of the room, you can try to shift it off yourself before calling a professional to check what’s wrong. 

Can I Turn My Gas Back On Myself?

Once the gas valve has been turned off, don’t try to turn it on by yourself. The gas must be turned on by professionals such as a gas company technician. The expert will most likely perform a pressure test on your gas stove and relight all the pilot lights in your home as part of the process. 

How To Switch Off And On A Gas Appliance

When it comes to controlling your gas appliances, such as your gas stove or fireplace, there are many options to consider. You can use a switch on the wall to turn your appliance on and off. A thermostat on the wall can also allow you to set your desired temperature for a steady heat supply.

Conclusion

The idea of disconnecting any gas appliance at home, especially one that’s integrated, can make you scared. However, doing the task is not difficult and not as scary as it sounds. 

This guide has provided you with all you need to disconnect your gas stove. However, you can also choose to contact a professional to do it for you. It’s all up to you.