Waterproof laminate flooring with its thicker wear layer can last about 25 to 30 years before getting damaged. It'd be hard to find a flooring material with a larger upside than laminate. Other factors such as quality, maintenance and brand also play a long way in the flooring durability.
The protection both waterproof and water-resistant laminate offer against moisture makes them ideal flooring choices for spaces that tend to get the most spills like bathrooms, kitchens and even laundry rooms. That, plus their durability also helps them last a long time especially with active families and pets.
How Long Do Waterproof Laminate Floors Last? Quality waterproof laminate floors should last around 25 years, but a lot of factors can go into this (upkeep, brand, product, etc.). However, many high-end brands offer lifetime residential warranties. So: it's possible that these products could last much longer.
You should always replace wet laminate flooring when the damage is a result of a sewage backup due to the risk of mold and bacteria or if you cannot start cleaning up right away after a flood, if water has been present for more than 24 hours, or if you notice the laminate floor is starting to swell or buckle.
Aside from discoloration in the flooring installation, damage from water can cause planks to become loose. Over time, warping and buckling is an issue as well, due to excess moisture.
You should sweep and mop them regularly. Use a specialty mop to clean them without excess liquid. Though laminate floors are water resistant, if they are soaked in water, they can be damaged. The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products especially made for them.
Be careful with excess water use while cleaning
Even though Mohawk waterproof laminate flooring resists water quite well, it is best to be very careful by not using too much water while cleaning. Water can seep through the planks of laminate flooring and cause damage that is very hard to fix.
Waterproof and water-resistant flooring have key differences. Waterproof floors are more durable and can withstand not only liquid spills, but bigger accidents, like floods. Water-resistant flooring is designed to only hold up to small spills that are dealt with quickly.
Improper installation: If the laminate flooring is not installed correctly, it can create gaps or spaces that allow moisture to seep in and promote mold growth. High humidity: High humidity levels can promote mold growth, particularly in areas where ventilation is poor.
Some brands claim to have 100% waterproof laminate flooring despite having an expansion rate above 4% when exposed to water for 24 hours. This is false and misleading advertising, as the planks can still be damaged by moisture.
Waterproof Laminate Cost
Waterproof laminate flooring costs around $3 – $5 per square foot. The industry average cost is about $4.50 per square foot. Standard laminate flooring products cost about $2.50 a square foot.
Not 100% Moisture Proof:
Although laminate flooring is moisture resistant, it is not moisture-proof. A major spill or excessive water exposure could seriously damage your floor. This can lead to warping and even the need to replace flooring planks or a complete floor re-install.
The answer is yes, and here's why and how. An underlayment can do so much for your hard surface flooring, including waterproof laminate flooring. It adds comfort, a warmer touch, and noise reduction, which can benefit just about any area.
Waterproof vinyl flooring, either in sheets or in planks, is a clear winner here. Laminate flooring has at its core wood. If you know anything about wood, when it gets wet it tends to expand and swell. If that happens, you can try to dry it out, but it never goes back to the original shape.
Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile are the best waterproof vinyl flooring options. Easy to install and suitable for areas of high moisture like basements and bathrooms, LVP and LVT are sturdy, thick planks that click together and can be laid down over an existing floor with little to no prep.
A thickness of 8 to 12 mm is one of the most advised thickness levels for laminate flooring.
No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
Pros of waterproof laminate for bathrooms & kitchens
With the waterproof variety, you don't need to clamber for a mop or a cloth, as there isn't the same urgency to clear up a spill, the way you have with other flooring options.
Swiffer Sweeper Wet Mop is the appropriate application tool for successful floor cleaning; it's suited for all floors, including laminate, sealed tile, wood, etc.
Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says.
For stubborn spots or areas of buildup, some people turn to glass cleaners like Windex. This method is helpful in a pinch, but use it sparingly and only in small areas. Spray the glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth and rub the floor clean, going with the grain whenever possible.
You'll want to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. These fine particles of grit can act like sandpaper and may dull the laminate. Follow with a floor cleaner and a damp, not wet, mop with a microfiber pad, Meska suggests. Then, dry mop to absorb any extra moisture on the floor.