How to Fix a Laminate Floor That Got Wet: A Simple Guide
- Stop the Water from Causing Further Damage. First things first, you need to spot the source of the water. ...
- Clean Up Excess Water. As mentioned above, laminate flooring can handle a little bit of water on the surface but can still be damaged if it sits for ...
- Closely Examine the Affected Area. Water spreads quickly. You might be surprised at how fast it can move through the wood materials in the flooring.
- Remove Damaged Planks. To do this, you will need to remove all of the afflicted boards. ...
- When in Doubt, Contact an Expert. Water damage is no joking matter and can range in its severity. ...
How to save your laminate floors from water damage?
How to Fix a Laminate Floor That Got Wet?
- Contain the Damage. Obviously, if your laminate is still being exposed to water then there’s no point in going through the process of fixing it.
- Check the Locking System to Find Damage. ...
- Make Sure You Have the Proper Tools. ...
- Remove the Laminate Up to the Damaged Area. ...
- Replace the Damaged Planks. ...
- Reinstall the Laminate. ...
Can you fix water damaged laminate flooring?
Water damaged boards can’t be fixed, but they can be replaced. If you have leftover laminate flooring boards from your original installation, use those. If not, match the damaged boards with new ones. Make sure the floor is completely dry before you begin the repairs.
How to repair a scratched laminate floor?
While floors might be unique, the issues they cause DIYers and homeowners are not. Here are eight common floor problems that can happen at any time, and recommendations about what you can do to fix them ... as a trip hazard. If scratched floors are ...
How do you fix Warped laminate flooring?
Part 1 of 3: Inspecting the Water Damage Download Article
- Find the source of flooding or leaking and plug it up. ...
- Look for warped areas that are bending or cracking. When laminate gets saturated by water, it absorbs the moisture which in turn breaks down the structure of the flooring.
- Check for discoloration and signs of mold. ...
- Mark each damaged tile with a sticky note. ...
How do you reverse water damage on laminate flooring?
4:316:16Water Damaged Laminate Flooring-How To Fix It ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd go through each of the cracks. And the areas where the laminate flooring connects. And justMoreAnd go through each of the cracks. And the areas where the laminate flooring connects. And just really try and suck out as much water as possible.
Can you fix swollen laminate flooring?
Can I fix swollen laminate flooring? The best fix for swollen laminate flooring is to disassemble the floor and install new boards after addressing the source of water that damaged the board. Remove the board, one row at a time until you get into the bubbling board, and replace it with a new one.
Can you fix bubbled laminate?
Minor bubbles can be fixed by “bursting” them. Place a damp cloth on the bubble and cut a slit on the bubbled area using a sharp knife. Squeeze wood glue into the slit you have opened and press the veneer down. Place a weight overnight so that it is entirely flattened.
How do you fix raised laminate flooring?
Lifting of the laminate floor is due to acclimation issues. To fix it, remove the baseboards to relieve the pressure. Gently tap boards back together and move along the floor patiently until the gaps are filled. Boards that have lifted and warped should also be replaced.
Does laminate swelling go down?
If your laminate flooring was glued down, the source of the swelling may not be caused by moisture. After gluing, the joints of the boards may swell slightly as they absorb the water in the glue. This is temporary and often resolves itself in three to four weeks.
How do you fix a buckled laminate floor?
6:1810:25How to Fix Buckling, Popping, or Bubbles in Laminate Floors! We ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll the way along the top of the baseboard to break the caulk there's a layer of caulk on the top ofMoreAll the way along the top of the baseboard to break the caulk there's a layer of caulk on the top of the baseboard to make it smooth with the paint.
Why is my laminate floor bulging?
Buckling or warping is almost always as a result of moisture and/or water damage. Laminate flooring is affected by water in a number of ways. High moisture content in the air can sometimes lead to buckling or warping. Excessive water on the surface of the floor can also lead to buckling or warping.
Why has my laminate flooring raised?
There are a few reasons why your laminate floor may be lifting, such as moisture under flooring, lack of proper expansion spacing, improper installation, climate change, or uneven slab or subfloor surfaces. Lifting, buckling, warping, or peaking in laminate flooring is unsightly and potentially unsafe.
Can Laminate Flooring Get Wet
Although some Laminate flooring is rated to be water-resistant for a certain amount of time, most laminate flooring should not be allowed to get in contact with water!
Swelling
Swelling is the most common sign of water damaged Laminate. As MDF Structure of laminate absorbs moisture it will start to deform and swell up.
Warping
Another common result of water damage to your laminate, warping is when the edges of your laminated floor begin to rise up and create an uneven surface in your flooring.
Splitting or Separating
In some instances, when the laminate flooring dries out, it may separate, leaving splits/gaps between the planks.
Discoloration
Sometimes, water damage can be as simple as discolored spotting on the surface of the floor.
Buckling
Buckling is not always water-damage related however it occurs when there isn’t enough room for the flooring to expand and contract due to a change in humidity in the air.
Mold or mildew
Most commonly occurring in particularly damp or humid areas with low lighting or dark conditions, mold growth is a serious health risk and one of the most obvious signs of water damage.
Symptoms of Laminate Floor Deterioration
Examine your laminate floor for the following signs and symptoms to determine if it has been damaged.
Various Types of Laminate Damage
Before beginning the process of repairing water-related damage to laminate flooring, it is critical to understand the many types of damage that can occur.
6 Simple DIY Methods To Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage
Although there is a risk of swelling and warping, water-damaged laminate flooring can usually be repaired in the majority of cases.
What exactly is the cause of the water damage to laminate flooring?
Water destroys laminate flooring by penetrating the layers and causing damage.
Our Final Thoughts
Fixing water-damaged laminate flooring is a difficult operation, but it can be accomplished with the help of the above-mentioned suggestions on How to fix laminate floor water damage?
Frequently Ask Questions
Boards that have been damaged by water cannot be repaired, but they can be replaced.
How to Fix Laminate Floor Water Damage
Whether the water damage is extensive or moderate, the following methods will assist you in containing and repairing the damage:
Signs Of Water Damage On Laminate Flooring
Should you notice any of the following signs, your laminate may be damaged.
Conclusion
Fixing laminate flooring that has been damaged by water is a difficult task. If you intend to make the repairs yourself, the steps on how to fix laminate floor water damage discussed in this article will make it easier for you; for widespread damage, please, seek professional assistance.
What to do if laminate is exposed to water?
First you must find the source of the water/moisture and deal with it. By dealing with this issue you’ll ensure that your efforts aren’t wasted.
Can you replace damaged planks?
This is another challenging part of the job. You have to make sure that the planks you’re replacing are the same ones that are currently installed. Unless you happen to have extra planks from when you first installed them it could be very difficult to get the right replacements.
Can you repair water damage laminate flooring?
Overall, repairing water damaged laminate flooring isn’t easy. If you decide to fix it yourself then follow the steps in this article to repair it without having to install an entire new floor. If you would like any help then click below to get a quote from professionals in your area.
Is laminate flooring good for water damage?
It’s not all rainbows and butterflies though. Sure laminate flooring can withstand minor spills and a bit of moisture but anything more than this and you risk water damage. Once the materials in the laminate start to absorb ...
Can You Fix Water-Damaged Laminate Flooring?
When enough water seeps into the laminate to damage the wood, you may see signs of water damage, including buckling planks, bubbling or cracking in the surface of the laminate, and the appearance of mold.
4 Steps To Fix Laminate Floor Water Damage
Time required: 2–3 hours of labor, 2–3 days to acclimate any new planks
1. Clean Up Any Moisture and Contain Its Source
If your floor has damage from a spill pooling on the floor, clean up the water and allow the floorboards to dry fully. If the source is not apparent, check for leakage from nearby pipes or appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines.
2. Inspect the Floor and Locate All Damaged Areas
Once you have neutralized the source of the water damage, inspect the whole floor, searching closely for all signs of damage. Once water penetrates the laminate surface of your floor, it can move through wood quickly, creating extensive damage that can continue to spread if not properly treated.
3. Remove Damaged Planks
Wear safety glasses while you work to get rid of any damaged planks. If some are close to walls, remove all baseboards and molding using a putty knife or pry bar.
Removing Damaged Baseboards in the Middle of the Floor
If you have damaged baseboards in the middle of the floor, you have two options for removal. You can start from the wall and remove each plank until you reach the damaged ones. Working from right to left, find the groove edge on the outermost plank and gently lift or pry to release it from the lock before moving on to the next one.
4. Replace Damaged Planks
Discard all damaged planks. Hopefully, you will have saved some extra planks from the installation for situations like this. If not, you may have to do a bit of work to find pieces that match.
Why does water seep under laminate flooring?
This is necessary, but also leaves room for water to seep underneath and cause some real problems.
What happens if you damage laminate planks?
Damaged planks typically will have some level of discoloration and can sometimes buckle and become misshapen after being exposed to any amount of water. These are the laminate planks you should be focusing on. Make a note of or flag each board that stands out to you for the next step.
Why does laminate flooring contract?
The materials that are used in laminate flooring expand and contract due to changes in the environment. If they get really wet laminate floor bubbles will appear! That being said, laminate floors will not just breakdown the second water touches them. If a liquid is spilled on top of the wood flooring – do not panic.
What to do if dishwasher leaks?
If it is a leak from your dishwasher or some other location, focus all of your efforts on stopping that before you take the time to worry about the laminate floors. Once you have stopped the flow of water, revert your attention to the damaged boards to see the extent of the problem.
Can water damage laminate flooring?
When looking to fix damage caused by water on laminate flooring, it is essential to understand that different types of damage can occur. This specific type of flooring is not compatible with water or humid environments and can be irreversibly damaged, even in short periods. Manufacturer instructions make it very clear that laminate floors should ...
Is laminate flooring a good choice for a home?
Laminate flooring is a beautiful addition to any home and has become very popular in recent years. Laminate floors modernize any space in a home or business and is designed to fit all interior design preferences. The beautiful wood materials that constitute laminate flooring are what make it unique and ever so popular in renovations.
Can laminate floorboards be removed?
To do this, you will need to remove all of the afflicted boards. Laminate floorboards that may have warped from the damage can usually be removed with your bare hands, while others may require more attention.
1. Carefully locate the source of the water leak
You shouldn't begin the laminate floor repair process until you know where the water is coming from and how to stop it. To avoid any leaking, turn off your water supply. If the leak is caused by an appliance, such as your fridge, you must first repair the appliance before you can begin fixing your flooring.
2. Look for bending or cracking in the distorted areas
When laminate is wet, it absorbs the moisture, which causes the structure of the flooring to deteriorate. Water damage in your laminate flooring can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including cracking or bending the floor. Water damage can also cause tiles to separate. When testing, go over each tile one by one.
3. Look for discoloration and mold symptom
When the water in your laminate flooring is left untreated for a prolonged period of time, mold will grow. If this happens, the color of your tiles can change, giving your laminate floor an unappealing appearance. You should keep an eye on your floor to see if it is bent in some way.
4. Place a sticky note on each broken tile
This way, you'll be able to see how widespread the problem has become. If you plan to hire a specialist to look into the problem, these sticky notes will serve as a good starting point for them. With the sticky notes, take a snapshot of the whole laminate floor in case you decide to show it to a flooring specialist.
5. Using a putty knife, pry up the broken planks one at a time
If a putty knife isn't available, a butter knife will suffice. Wear eye protection during this process to avoid getting dust, dirt, or something else into your eyes. To stop accumulating debris, dispose of the broken planks as you get further.
6. Take out the baseboards from under the tiles
This reveals the bare floor underneath and allows you to thoroughly inspect the floor for dust or mold accumulation. Remove the baseboards one at a time, much like the planks, to prevent any damage to the flooring. If you try to pull a plank up and couldn't see any damage, just reinstall it into the floor!
7. Before removing the planks, mop the floor underneath them
Water and dirt will collect under your floorboards, so sweep it up with a broom and dustpan. Then, with a rag, wipe down the entire exposed floor. If there is something on the exposed surface, the planks cannot slip in place next to one another. Check the area for something that could get in the way of the planks.
Repair Scratched Laminate
Scratches are one of the common issues found in laminate floorings. Well, repairing a scratched laminate is very basic, unless it’s been damaged a lot. Here are the ways you can use to repair your scratched laminate floor.
How to Repair Buckled Laminate
A buckled laminate is when two of your laminate planks expand with no space, forming a tent-like structure. This can happen due to changes in the atmosphere and moisture, making the laminate expand when there is no space to expand.
How to Repair Laminate Peaking
A peaking laminate can occur when there’s no space left for laminate expansion. Peaking is the initial stage of buckling. Two planks expand together to a point they peak; this is similar to buckling. There is a way to deal with this without replacing the planks.
How to Repair Laminate Dents
Dents can be caused by a drop of some heavy object or moving furniture around. These dents ruin the look of your laminate flooring; thankfully, there is a rather odd solution that woodworkers have been using for years to fix it.
How to Repair Laminate Soft Spots
Do you have some spots that are soft in your laminate? They are caused by uneven leveling or improper installation of the underlayment. These spots can go away by injecting foam spray into them.
How to Repair Laminate Floor Gaps
Laminate floor gaps are often caused by poor installation; they may not be glued properly and end up looking like a jigsaw puzzle. There’s an easy way to fix it with a floor gap fixer or wood glue. Even better, you can use both of them together in the correct application for a permanent solution.
How to Replace Laminate Plank
If the plank is damaged beyond repair, it would be in your best interest to get them replaced.