What happens if water gets under waterproof flooring?

Author: Prof. Henri Mills MD  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

In other words, you can't just ignore water under the flooring just because you have waterproof flooring. Excess moisture and water under the flooring can deteriorate and soften vinyl planks. It can also lead to mold growth, setting up a potentially unhealthy indoor environment.

What to do if water gets under waterproof vinyl flooring?

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.

What happens if water gets under waterproof laminate flooring?

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.

How long can water sit on waterproof laminate flooring?

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.

What to do if there is water leak under the floor?

Stop or Identify the Water Source

This may need to be done professionally, but you can try and locate the water source yourself. Most of the time if you listen closely, you'll hear water running. If you can't find the source, contact a local professional to examine your flooring.

If Your House Floods this is what will Happen to your Floor!

How to get water out from underneath flooring?

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. You can also use towels to absorb excess moisture.

How do I know if I have water damage under my floor?

How to Spot Water Damage in Your Floors
  1. Discoloration. One of the earliest signs of water damage is discoloration. ...
  2. Warping or Buckling. ...
  3. Soft Spots or Weak Areas. ...
  4. Musty Odors. ...
  5. Peeling, Cracking, or Lifting. ...
  6. High Humidity Levels. ...
  7. Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risks. ...
  8. Clay-Heavy Soil.

How long does it take for mold to grow under wet laminate?

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.

Is waterproof flooring really waterproof?

If choosing water-resistant flooring, install it where there's little moisture and a low risk of ever being exposed to water. Remember that installing waterproof flooring will never make a room waterproof. Only the flooring material is waterproof.

How long does it take for a floor to dry out after a leak?

Don't be surprised if the meter still shows signs of moisture in the floor after a day or two. It can take up to several weeks for wood flooring to completely dry. Also, the humidity in the room and the amount of water that was present on the floor can prolong the process.

Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?

Mold Growth: Mold can thrive under vinyl plank flooring due to moisture. Health Risks: Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and more serious health conditions. Vinyl Plank Flooring: While durable and versatile, can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained.

Will wet subfloor dry out?

Sometimes, subfloors can be dried out from below, either from a lower level or a crawlspace. But if the water damage was too significant and there is no easy way to allow airflow to dry out your subfloor, it should be replaced.

How to flatten swollen laminate flooring?

To repair minor swelling issues, complete the following steps:
  1. Dry out the affected area: Use a dehumidifier to drain the excess moisture from the air. ...
  2. Apply weight to the floor: Once the area has started to dry, place heavy items, such as books, on top of the affiliated planks.

What happens if water gets underneath laminate flooring?

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.

Does vinyl flooring need to be replaced after flooding?

Though it handles water well, you may see damage after excess water coverage. When the flooring is dry, remove damaged areas and replace them with new vinyl. Because vinyl is typically laid in layers, repairing these areas may be difficult to do at home. Consider calling a professional to ensure proper installation.

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

Enemies of Vinyl Flooring
  • Dirt and Grit: Acting like sandpaper, dirt and grit particles can scratch the wear layer of the vinyl, especially at entryways and high-traffic areas. ...
  • Sharp Objects: Dropping sharp objects like knives or tools can puncture or gouge vinyl.

Can water get under waterproof vinyl flooring?

Water that gets under waterproof vinyl flooring may cause discoloration and staining over time.

What flooring is 100% waterproof?

DuraLux® Waterproof Luxury Vinyl

With a rigid stone-based core, your floor is not only 100% waterproof but scratch and dent-resistant. 5mm DuraLux® Performance Plank with built-in foam backing is a great flooring choice that is quick and easy to install!

Which is better waterproof vinyl flooring or waterproof laminate flooring?

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.

Will a one-time water leak cause mold?

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.

How to tell if mold is under flooring?

Smell. Mold often emits a distinct, musty odor. If your home or business has developed an unexplained, persistent smell, it's a strong sign that mold might be lurking beneath your floors.

How to remove water under a floating floor?

Use fans: Place fans in the affected area to help circulate air and dry out the flooring. Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air and speed up the drying process. Remove baseboards: Removing baseboards can help improve airflow and speed up the drying process.

What to do if you have water under your floor?

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.

Does insurance cover floor water damage?

Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.

Does a water damaged subfloor need to be replaced?

A wet subfloor doesn't always need to be replaced, but it must be thoroughly dried and assessed for damage. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry it out. If the subfloor is swollen, warped, or has mold growth, replacement is necessary.

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