How to Repair Your Swollen Water Damaged Countertops
- Remove the Source of Water. ...
- Assess the Extent of the Damage. ...
- Drying the Area. ...
- Bubbling: Bubbling can sometimes be cured without much difficulty, if not too large. ...
- Shrinking and Rippling: In cases where the laminate has shrunken, if possible, a joining strip could be used to cover up or add in a new piece of counter.
Can I replace my plastic laminate countertops after water damage?
If the cabinet/countertop installer had used a sufficient amount of caulking in the seam area, when the two pieces where joined together, the damage would not have occurred. You will pretty much have to replace your plastic laminate countertops if the water damaged area of the countertop is where the beveled edge meets the flat portion of the top.
Can a damaged seam on a kitchen countertop be repaired?
The good news is that you will not have to tear out the entire kitchen counter in order to repair the damaged seam area. Here again, the raised area could have been prevented by not using particle-board underneath the laminate when the top was manufactured.
What can damage a laminate countertop?
Two main things can damage a laminate countertop: heat and moisture. For example, if you place a hot pot directly from the stove onto the counter, it can weaken the adhesive. The substrate of most countertops is made of particleboard.
How do you fix a stained laminate countertop?
Choose the color that most closely matches your countertop color. $8. Once hardened, you won’t have the opportunity to sand any excess without damaging the surrounding laminate, so fill each blemish carefully, and don’t overfill. The object is to camouflage the defect. Stains can be removed using a paste made from baking soda and water.
How do you fix a swollen counter top?
When you've exposed the swollen part of the substrate, sand it flat and stabilize it (lock all those loose fibers together) with a thick coating of cyanoacrylate glue. Sand a little more, and check the flatness. Bear in mind that it's not a wedding cake or even a brand-new countertop; it doesn't have to be perfect.
How do you straighten a warped laminate countertop?
0:041:29Tip Tuesday: Bowed Laminate Countertops - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou would simply add screws just as you are going to apply it anyway and just gradually screw thoseMoreYou would simply add screws just as you are going to apply it anyway and just gradually screw those ends. Down overtime it will eventually come out and be level once it acclimates to the climate.
Can you reseal laminate countertops?
When looking to update or overhaul a countertop, use a resin, acrylic or polyurethane coating that's specifically labeled for use as a laminate countertop sealant. Polyurethane coating or a resin laminate sealer will provide shine and a protective coating.
How do you fix a bubbled countertop seam?
Turn a clothes iron on to a medium heat setting and allow it to heat up. Press the iron on top of the lifted seam and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. Lift the iron and test the seam to see whether this reglued it to the surface, as it often does. If the seam is still lifted, apply new adhesive.
How do you fix a buckled laminate countertop?
The only way to deal with buckled laminate is to get under it and add fresh glue.Insert the tip of a putty knife anywhere possible at the edge of the laminate. ... Inject a small amount of acetone into the crack using a bottle with a narrow tip. ... Lift up the laminate as far as it will go.More items...
How do you repair damaged laminate countertops?
0:574:26How to Repair Laminate Counters | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo after a few seconds remove the iron. And see if it's stuck yep the piece is back on well that wasMoreSo after a few seconds remove the iron. And see if it's stuck yep the piece is back on well that was really simple and now if you're not so lucky and that glue does not re-stick.
Can a laminate countertop be repaired?
Small scratches, gouges and chips can be fixed with laminate repair paste or a color-matched repair pen, available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Choose the color that most closely matches your countertop color.
How do you replace laminate countertops without removing them?
0:243:00How to Update Your Laminate Countertops Without Replacing ThemYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt again smoothness is key here right when we're done that monolithic slab which basically meansMoreIt again smoothness is key here right when we're done that monolithic slab which basically means it's all one color all one Sheen we don't want ripples. And and brush marks or foam roller marks in it.
Can you put epoxy on laminate countertops?
Epoxy coatings offer homeowners an inexpensive way to make laminate countertops look new again and when applied properly, epoxy coatings create a finish that is durable and attractive. You can even choose among different countertop epoxy colors to match your decor.
What causes a laminate countertop to bubble?
Laminates are secured to countertop plywood and particleboard base materials by contact cement, which is an adhesive that's sensitive to heat. That means bubbling can occur when you leave something hot on the counter for long enough to soften the adhesive and cause it to lose its grip.
Why does laminate bubble?
When laminate floorboards are affected by the moisture content in the air or subfloors, the edges rise from the subfloor. Another cause of bubbling or buckling is direct water damage. When excess water on the surface is not cleaned immediately or the floors are wiped with a wet mop, this can lead to bubbles.
How do you seal a laminate countertop seam?
2:468:06Counter repair, how to fill countertop seams with caulk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply a decent amount of caulk to the entire. Seam. Then you can use your finger or a putty knife toMoreApply a decent amount of caulk to the entire. Seam. Then you can use your finger or a putty knife to push the caulk into the. Seam.
How do you level a laminate countertop?
0:152:21Build up strips for MM Countertops Laminate Tops - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore beginning installation of the build up strips to check to see if your cabinets are levelMoreBefore beginning installation of the build up strips to check to see if your cabinets are level adjust. The cabinets if possible shims may be required later if cabinets can not be adjusted.
How do you fix a countertop seam?
0:252:40countertop repair, hiding seams with paint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou may have to apply several coats. Because when the paint dries it will shrink somewhat so addingMoreYou may have to apply several coats. Because when the paint dries it will shrink somewhat so adding several coats will help to fill in the seam.
How to fix scratches on laminate countertop?
Small scratches, gouges and chips can be fixed with laminate repair paste or a color-matched repair pen, available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Choose the color that most closely matches your countertop color. $8.
What to use to remove nail polish from countertop?
For more stubborn stains, try a little nail polish remover on a clean rag (use white rags so you won't get fabric color on the countertop). Other solvents to try include paint thinner, denatured alcohol and acetone. Use sparingly.
What is countertop tranfauxmations?
Countertop Tranfauxmations is a tutorial — not a full painting kit — that guides you through the process of painting your countertops. You get an instructional DVD, a guide to paint combinations (using Benjamin Moore paints), a brush and a dabbing sponge for $45. Or, spend $15 to download the instructional video from the website.
How much does it cost to refinish granite countertops?
If you're looking to give your countertops a whole new look but are watching your budget, you can completely transform them for less than $300. Refinishing kits and tough peel-and-stick vinyl coverings are tailor-made for the DIYer, and the results are dead ringers for real granite slabs.
How to repair cracks in a car?
Repair chips and large cracks (more than 1/8-inch wide) with a two-part epoxy putty. Let the putty dry thoroughly, then sand the putty smooth.
What to use to keep hot items from slipping?
Don't set hot items on them — use a trivet or hot pad.
Is Wilsonart granite laminate?
Countertops continue to define a kitchen's style — but they don't have to be a budget-buster. This granite look-alike from Wilsonart is actually laminate but unlike previous laminate countertops features a more realistic, larger stone pattern and rounded edge for a high-end granite look at a fraction of the price.
Why is my laminate top swollen?
The culprit that caused the swelling is the particle board underneath. The laminate seam can’t withstand the rising pressure the moisture creates as it combines with the pressed wood. That is why your once beautiful Formcia, Nevamar, Pionite or Wilson Art plastic laminate top needs a repair.
How to repair post form top?
The only effective and professional way of repairing a water damaged post form top is to replace it with a new one. Throughout the years, it is this style of tops that has proven to be the most absorbent and in turn has displayed noticeable damage in many kitchens that I have seen.
Why are post form countertops swollen?
The sad part about post-form countertops which have swollen due to water absorption is that it could have been avoided. If the cabinet/countertop installer had used a sufficient amount of caulking in the seam area, when the two pieces where joined together, the damage would not have occurred.
Can you repair Formica seams?
Once you have a professional cabinet or countertop manufacture evaluate your water damage situation, an accurate determination can be made as to how the repair will need to be done. Just about any real repair technician should know how to fix your damage d Formica seam area within a few minutes of the examination. Whoever you contract to rework the swollen top, make sure that they put into the proposal that they will either use ply-wood on the new top or seal the particle board prior to repairing it with the new mica.
Can you tear out a Formica countertop?
The seam will have to be completely reworked by re-laminating the entire countertop. The good news is that you will not have to tear out the entire kitchen counter in order to repair the damaged seam area.
Who makes beveled edge countertops?
The majority of these countertops, in recent years, are custom manufactured by the cabinetry company that is building the kitchen. Although many of the beveled edge countertops that consumers get through Home Depot or Lowes are provide by mass production facilities.
Can you tear out a kitchen counter?
The good news is that you will not have to tear out the entire kitchen counter in order to repair the damaged seam area. Here again, the raised area could have been prevented by not using particle-board underneath the laminate when the top was manufactured. Plywood is the best choice for these custom fabricated tops.
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.
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 wipe laminate flooring?
Whenever there is a small spill of any kind on your laminate flooring, wipe it up immediately to prevent water damage from occurring over time.
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.
What to do with sticky notes on floor?
Snap a picture of the entire floor with the sticky notes in case you need to show it to a flooring dealer.
What to do if you can't find planks?
If you can’t find any planks that look like the ones you have at home, you might be better off replacing the whole floor. Ask the flooring dealer for their advice if this is the case.
How to keep planks in place?
Place a heavy object on top of the planks to help them set. Be it a bookcase or couch, this object will keep the planks in one place and allow the adhesive to keep them connected for a long time.
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.
