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. ...
What to do if a laminate floor gets wet?
Some of the items you will need for this job include:
- Replacement boards and underlaying material
- Cleaning solvent
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Floor adhesive
- Putty knife
- Safety glasses
What happens to a laminate flooring after it gets wet?
- Clean/Mop Up the Mess: The smaller the spill and the quicker you act, the higher the chances are that your laminate flooring is okay.
- Assess the Damage: Make sure you’ve identified all the areas that are affected. ...
- Remove the Affected Boards: Use tools that can be wedged between the board and the floor, and lift up the planks.
How to fix water damage to laminate flooring?
- Depending on how wet the flooring got, you may want to use more than one of each.
- Position them in such a way that the fans are angled downward, and blowing directly onto the floor.
- Set up dehumidifiers, and position them strategically around the affected area.
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 laminate flooring be repaired after water damage?
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.
Can you fix swollen laminate flooring?
Proper Repair of Swollen Laminate You can cut the new boards using the damaged pieces as a guide. Replace the damaged boards with boards from the outer edge of your original flooring and then replace the outer boards with new boards that have been allowed to acclimate in the room for at least 72 hours.
Will water under laminate dry out?
If water gets underneath your laminate flooring, some incredibly nasty water damage could result. Even though laminate flooring is relatively inexpensive, it is also not water-resistant. Therefore, you need to run water tests, dry the area, and possibly replace the flooring.
How do you fix a swollen laminate floor without replacing it?
The best way to fix constant bubbling on laminate flooring is to get rid of excess moisture under the planks. Create expansion joints and use a dehumidifier in the room to reduce moisture content causing the bubbles and swelling.
How do you fix water damaged floors?
It's not just water that causes mold and mildew; it's the combination of water and dirt.Remove Surface Water. ... Scrub the Floor. ... Treat Moldy Areas. ... Dry the Floor. ... Sand Water-Damaged Wood Flooring. ... Deal With Mold on Wood Under Paint. ... Replace Laminate.
How do I know if my laminate floor has water damage?
Signs of Water Damage Laminate Floor Coverings May SufferBuckling.Splitting.Cracking.Discoloration.Visible mold.A musty odor of mold.
Can laminate flooring be repaired?
Making repairs to laminate floorboards If one of your laminate floorboards has sustained damaged, there's no reason to panic. Regular scratches and even cracks can be repaired with a floor repair kit. Available in different colours depending on your laminate's colour, they're simple to use with impeccable results.
How can you tell if mold is under laminate flooring?
Look around the room and see if you can find any signs of mold growth, including a musky odor, as well as black or dark green streaks in-between the planks. If it ever gets to this point, you'll need a full replacement, as the mold can infiltrate your home and wreak havoc on your health.
How do you flatten warped laminate flooring?
1:526:16Water Damaged Laminate Flooring-How To Fix It ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr sort of like a wet/dry vac. And what you want to do you want to turn on the shop vac and you wantMoreOr sort of like a wet/dry vac. And what you want to do you want to turn on the shop vac and you want to just place. This right flat against the flooring. And go over each of the lines.
How do you flatten a buckled laminate floor?
If poor cleaning practices or high humidity have cause minor buckling, the boards may return to normal on their own when things dry out. To speed the process, put weights, such as large cardboard boxes filled with books, on the curled boards to flatten them.
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.
Is laminate flooring ruined if it gets wet?
Not necessarily. If you act quickly and follow the above step-by-step guide, you can save your laminate flooring. But even short periods of water e...
Can you fix swollen laminate flooring?
No, swollen boards will not flatten back out over time. The best way to fix swollen laminate is to completely replace the affected boards.
Will mold grow under laminate flooring?
When exposed to water, mold can fester under laminate floors. Mold will start to grow in your floors in as little as 24 hours if left untreated. Re...
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.
How do I repair laminate flooring?
1. Find the source of flooding or leaking and plug it up. You shouldn’t start the process of repairing laminate floors until you know where the water is coming from and how to stop it. Turn off your water supply to prevent leaking from continuing.
How to tell if laminate is water damaged?
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. There are a number of signs that point to your floor being water damaged, including bending or cracking.
Why is laminate flooring so popular?
Laminate flooring is popular among homeowners because it looks nice and is durable. These floors can last for years and don’t require much maintenance along the way. That said, the wood in the laminate floors is prone to water damage if it’s not treated properly.
Why do tiles pop out of the floor?
Tiles can also be pushed apart by water damage. Go over every tile individually when you check. As you walk around, push on your floorboards to see if they are popping up out of the base of the floor. Be critical when you do this, as even a small distortion to the tiles can be the result of water damage.
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.
Why is my laminate floor soaking in water?
One reason your laminate floors can become flooded and soaked in water is from a leak of the pipes underneath it. Unless you are continuously spilling water on the same spot over and over again, laminate flooring won’t get damaged easily. Standing water, however, can cause it significant damage.
What happens if laminate flooring is submerged?
However, what would happen if a part of your laminate flooring has been submerged or flooded by water? No matter how durable your flooring is, flooding can cause significant water damage to your floor. When your laminate flooring gets saturated with water or any liquid, the planks will start to bend and buckle.
How do I check if laminate flooring is leaking?
The first step is to check if there are leaks in the laminate flooring. Check for appliances that are near the damaged area. If it is close to dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances that are using water, you can check them out first to see if there are leaks.
What to do before installing bare floor?
Before you start the installation, check the bare floor ing and make sure that it is cleaned. Check the replacement planks and see if they would fit perfectly on the bare floors.
Do you have to remove the whole plank?
You have to remove the whole plank even if only a small part of it is damaged because it will get worse if you leave it there. Remove the whole plank to expose the floor beneath. Check the bare floor for signs of mold and clean it before you start the installation of new planks. 4. Replace the Damaged Planks.
Can you fix laminate flooring after water damage?
It is true that fixing laminate flooring after getting drenched by water is extremely time-consuming and if you don’t know how to do this, you will cause more damage to your laminate floor. You should know that there are professionals who are ready to help you in times of need.
Can you fix laminate flooring without a professional?
Fixing a laminate floor can be done even without the help of professionals. If you have the time to do it and you know how to install laminate flooring, you can do the task on your own and replace it.
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.
What to do if your laminate floor is water damaged?
What to Do. If your floor shows signs of water damage, there is little to do except replace the affected floorboards. Once the boards are water damaged, they can't be sanded or fixed in any other way. Even when the surface appears dry, the boards can still hold enough water that your laminate floor is bubbling at the seams. ...
What happens if you spill water on laminate flooring?
However, if there is a spill and water is allowed to seep into the gaps between the laminate floor planks, damage can occur. This is because the wear layer will protect ...
Why is my laminate flooring bubbling?
If enough water gets into the seams, the core will soak up the moisture. If your laminate flooring is bubbling at the seams, it has water damage. And along with swelling, bending and cracking, a saturated laminate floorboard can develop mold. Advertisement.
What is the wear layer on laminate flooring?
According to Flooring America, laminate flooring has four layers: a cushioned bottom layer, a fiberboard core that is similar to particle board, a design layer above the core that gives your floor its color and a top coating of aluminum oxide, known as the wear layer, which provides protection from fading, stains and burns. The wear layer is constructed to protect against spilled water on a laminate floor as long as the spill is wiped up promptly.
Why does particle board swell?
This is because the wear layer will protect against water damage, but when water enters the floorboard gaps, the fiberboard core can get wet, causing it to swell . If you've ever had a bookcase or table made of particle board and gotten it wet, you've noticed that the boards swell and bend.
Can water damage laminate flooring?
If you've ever seen laminate flooring water damage pictures, you know what moisture can do to your floor. A little bit of spilled water on a laminate floor isn't likely to cause any damage as long as it's cleaned up quickly.
Does laminate flooring like water?
Laminate flooring is beautiful and designed to be long lasting, but it doesn't like water. Laminate flooring is beautiful and designed to be long lasting, but it doesn't like water. If you've ever seen laminate flooring water damage pictures, you know what moisture can do to your floor. A little bit of spilled water on a laminate floor isn't likely ...
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.