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 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.
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.
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.
Mold and Mildew Growth:
Moisture trapped beneath the flooring provides an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tools Needed for Testing Moisture in Laminate Flooring
Moisture Meter: The most accurate way to measure moisture in flooring is with a moisture meter. Look for a pinless (non-invasive) meter, which can measure moisture without puncturing the floor's surface.
We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it's any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate's locking system.
Key Takeaways. If you have water under your floorboards, remove floor coverings and dispose of damaged paper products, dry the area, clean and disinfect the soaked floorboards, ventilate the room, and contact a professional like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for complete restoration services.
Instead of taking measures to install a vapor barrier, some DIYers elect to install their laminate floors without protection. This measure can prove costly, as moisture damage can quickly warp and possibly ruin a wide variety of materials.
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.
Mold spores won't die even without moisture. The only way they do is when you completely get rid of them. Does inactive mold need to be removed? Yes, you need to clean surfaces with inactive mold because they can be reactivated by moisture.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.
Dry the Subfloor:
Use fans, dehumidifiers, or even a wet-dry vacuum to dry water under laminate flooring and the subfloor. Ensure proper ventilation to accelerate the drying process.
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.
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.
Most home insurance policies cover accidental and sudden damage caused by water. For example, a burst pipe that caused damage to a wall or floor would be covered. However, a gradual leak or seepage due to poor maintenance wouldn't be covered. Also, water damage insurance does not cover negligence.
It shouldn't be too hard to spot water damage on your laminate flooring when looking for the following: Discoloration. Visible mold. Splitting.
If you do find a leak, use a wet vacuum or a mop to soak up the water, then place a bucket and/or tarp down to catch additional water. You'll need to hire a local plumber to fix the leak.