Spills and Accidents: Everyday spills, such as a glass of water or a pet's water bowl, can lead to water under laminate flooring if not cleaned up promptly. Even small amounts of moisture, when left unattended, can seep through the seams and cause damage.
If laminate flooring gets wet, promptly clean and dry it to prevent damage. Wipe up the water using towels, and use fans or dehumidifiers to expedite the drying process. Avoid leaving moisture on the floor for an extended period to prevent warping or mold growth.
It only takes as little as 24 hours for mold to start growing under wet laminate flooring, if the water is dirty, it has come from a dishwasher, outside groundwater, a toilet or dirty carpet it can start growing bacteria even quicker, in as little as 12 hours.
In the case of a leak under laminate flooring, you will notice a general swelling at the edges. When the planks are no longer flat, it means severe damage. However, you should watch out for a certain discolouring first. This is the first sign of mold or mildew.
Water seeping through your floor after rainfall indicates a structural issue below the surface of your property. Damp proof membrane: damaged or missing, causing rising damp. Underfloor drain: potentially broken, leading to leaks. External ground water level: above DPC, resulting in water ingress.
Check pipes, drains and gutters
A leaky pipe, blocked drain or a clogged gutter could be the culprit behind your mysterious damp patch. If safe to do so, inspect the pipes and fixtures for broken seals or rusted exteriors, as these could all be potential sources of the leak.
You might need to simply clean the sump pit of debris. But if your sump pump is seven to 10 years old, it's probably time to replace it. Another way to help alleviate the excess groundwater on your property is to install a drainage system, like weeping tiles that drain into a sump pit or an interior drainage system.
Subfloor Moisture: If the subfloor beneath your laminate flooring is not adequately sealed or protected from moisture, it can allow water to infiltrate from below.
Underlay protects your laminate against moisture damage
For cold subfloors like concrete, you need to consider a damp proof membrane. Cold ground floor subfloors are often prone to damp, which can damage your laminate. An underlay with a vapour barrier helps prevent this.
The average cost of slab leak repair is $2,300. * Depending on the extent of the problem, repairs may cost as little as $630 or as much as $4,400 or more. The location of the leak is the most relevant factor to cost because this determines how difficult it is to access and repair the leak.
If water gets under laminate flooring, it can cause the planks to swell, warp, or lift. In severe cases, the flooring may need to be replaced to prevent further damage.
If you notice a persistent musty odor in a room, it could be a sign of mold growth beneath the flooring. Discoloration or stains: Look for any discoloration, warping, or stains on the surface of the laminate flooring. Water damage caused by mold growth can lead to changes in the appearance of the flooring material.
A single water leak can lead to mold growth if not fixed quickly. Mold loves moist places and can start growing in 24 to 48 hours. Even small water damage can cause mold to grow. It's key to fix water damage fast to lower the water leak mold risk.
Mold and Mildew Growth:
Moisture trapped beneath the flooring provides an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Cracking: Water damage can cause laminate planks to swell, and when dry, the surface can become uneven and begin to crack. Splitting: High moisture levels can accumulate between the planks, causing the material to expand and separate from other planks. This can lead to gapping and splitting in the flooring.
No, laminate flooring is generally not fully waterproof. It is often described as water-resistant, which means it can repel water for a limited time. However, if water is allowed to sit, it can penetrate the flooring and cause damage such as warping or buckling.
Although laminate flooring is great for use in all kinds of areas of your home, its one flaw is that it's not great when it comes to moisture. To avoid warping, discoloration, and bubbling, avoid installing laminate flooring in rooms that regularly see a lot of moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor that may be installed over virtually any type of sub floor. And by “floating”, we mean that it doesn't need to be nailed or glued to the sub floor.
After a water leak, you should always remove any excess water or moisture as quickly as possible. Any affected surfaces should be thoroughly dried within 24 hours. If excess moisture in your home is left unchecked for longer than 48 hours, there is a good chance that mold will grow.
You'll want to inspect the area above and around your floor. Is the water coming from the ceiling or the ground? Look for any plumbing issues and turn off your water meter to better locate the source. If you detect a leak coming from a leaky pipe, reach out to a professional plumber for help.
For most floors, condensation is the main reason for the sweating, especially in warm weather. When warm humid air from outside comes into contact with the cold concrete the air rapidly cools and condenses on the surface causing the wetness.
There is Water Seeping Through The Floor
When water starts to seep into the subfloor and other layers underneath the laminate, it can cause permanent damage to the entire floor. In some cases, the entire floor will need to be replaced due to the water damage.
Plumbing Leaks
A leak in your plumbing system, especially in pipes located under the slab, can cause water to seep upward. These leaks might be caused by: Corroded pipes. Physical damage.