Can laminate flooring be damaged by water? Yes, laminate flooring can be damaged by water if moisture seeps into the seams and reaches the core. This can cause swelling, warping, or even mould growth.
Delamination: Prolonged exposure to water can cause the layers of laminate to separate, a condition known as delamination. This can compromise the integrity of the flooring.
Mold from trapped moisture on floors can start forming in as little as 24 hours. Vinyl, tile, laminate, and other water-resistant flooring can still sustain water damage and develop mold. Call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as signs of water damage are detected.
How to Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage. Single laminate planks that have been damaged by water cannot be repaired. But the good news is they can be replaced without replacing the entire floor. Take advantage of any leftover laminate flooring planks from the initial installation.
Use a flashlight, shining the beam at an angle to the planks, to be able to see color changes better. 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.
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.
Apply weight to the floor: Once the area has started to dry, place heavy items, such as books, on top of the affiliated planks. This will help flatten them back into place while they dry. Apply heat to the planks: For planks that are still swollen, apply heat to the floor.
Laminate flooring, while cost-effective and popular, can experience problems such as buckling, warping, and fading. These issues often arise from water damage, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and inherent design limitations.
Apply a small amount of wood glue to the edges of the lifted planks and gently press them back into place. Use a tapping block and hammer to ensure a snug fit. Wipe away excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.
Vinegar is effective for most stains and general cleaning of laminate flooring. Even tricky stains like furniture polish, hard water marks, or coffee can generally be removed by applying vinegar.
If sections of your floor feel bouncy or soft underfoot, it could indicate water damage beneath the surface. This is often caused by prolonged exposure to water that weakens the subfloor, which can lead to costly structural repairs if left untreated.
Scrub the affected area with a mixture of hot water and soap. Use an appropriate mold and mildew cleaner to disinfect the area. You can also use a diluted bleach solution (mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water). Spray this cleaning solution directly onto the moldy floor and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
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.
Each type of laminate flooring offers a specific level of water resistance, but none are entirely impervious to moisture. Even waterproof laminate can fail if exposed to standing water or flooding for extended periods. Choosing the right option depends on the room's moisture levels and your daily lifestyle needs.
If water has seeped under the flooring, it's crucial to dry out the subfloor completely before reinstalling the vinyl. Use fans, dehumidifiers, or professional drying equipment to ensure all moisture is removed.
If there's an issue with the subfloor, such as water damage, or if the laminate flooring has hidden gaps, moisture can build up underneath the planks. This trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mold to grow and spread, often unnoticed until it becomes a significant issue.
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.
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.
Using a floor levelling compound can help to even out an uneven subfloor, providing a more stable base for your laminate flooring and reducing bounce. Before applying the floor levelling compound, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the subfloor, removing any debris, dust, or grease that might hinder the adhesion.
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.
To address any remaining swelling, use a heavy object, like a stack of books or weights, to press down on the affected areas. Leave the weights in place for several days to help flatten the laminate. If the floor is still uneven, you might need to use a laminate roller or a flooring jack to level the planks.
Inspecting the subfloor for any unevenness, moisture, or damage is crucial in understanding why the laminate is lifting. Once the cause is pinpointed, the next step involves repairing subfloor issues, which could range from levelling the surface to replacing damaged sections.
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.