What happens when laminate floors get wet?

Author: Prof. Cathy Kunde IV  |  Last update: Thursday, June 23, 2022

How Does Water Damage Laminate Flooring? Water damages laminate flooring by soaking into the layers. Once inside the boards, it causes them to swell and warp. It also weakens the glue that holds them together and they can eventually fall apart.

How long does it take for water to damage laminate flooring?

While laminate flooring isn't necessarily ruined if it gets wet, damage to the laminate can occur within two to four hours of water getting under the boards and can progress quickly.

Can you fix wet laminate flooring?

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.

How do I know if my laminate floor has water damage?

When your laminate flooring gets saturated with water or any liquid, the planks will start to bend and buckle. It would make your laminate flooring look hideous and it would become more damaged over time if you ignore it.

How do you get water out of laminate flooring?

4 Steps To Fix Water Under Laminate Flooring
  1. Step 1: Mop Up Any Water That Is Still Present. First, you need to make sure you mop up any water that is still present. ...
  2. Step 2: Use a Vacuum and Remove Damaged Molding. ...
  3. Step 3: Fix The Damage. ...
  4. Step 4: Make Sure the Area Is Dry Before They Install the Boards.

Water Damaged Laminate Flooring-How To Fix It (Without Replacing It)

Will wet laminate dry out?

Will Wet Laminate Dry Out on Its Own? Although wet laminate flooring will eventually dry out, it can take weeks to do so on its own. Not only does this increase the risk of mold, but it's also likely the floor will start to fall apart too.

Does water under laminate cause mold?

In both of these cases, if your answer is yes, then you're looking at an unstable structure that is quite dangerous, and warrants an immediate call to your laminate floor installers. When water gets trapped under the boards, it creates a dark, moist environment that's ideal for the growth of mold.

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

It takes only 24 -48 hours for mold to grow under wet laminate.

Will laminate floor swelling go down?

If your laminate flooring was glued down, the source of the swelling may not be caused by moisture. After gluing, the joints of the boards may swell slightly as they absorb the water in the glue. This is temporary and often resolves itself in three to four weeks.

Can laminate flooring be saved after flooding?

Fear not! Moisture under your laminate flooring can be treated. Whether your floor got wet from a leak or your floor was flooded, you can prevent mold from growing and repair your laminate flooring. Wet floors can swell or warp, but you can fix water damage in most cases.

How do you fix a swollen laminate floor without replacing it?

How to repair swollen laminate flooring without replacing it?
  1. Firstly, you may try the X-acto knife on the bubbling spot to fix the issue. ...
  2. Secondly, rolling up the floor is another way to smooth the laminate surface. ...
  3. Drying the damaged area with a hairdryer or heater may resolve your bubbling up to the surface.

Why is my laminate floor bubbling up?

The main cause of bubbling in laminate floors is moisture although it may also be caused by poor quality flooring or the lack of an expansion gap. It can easily be fixed by using wood glue, replacing the entire surface (in the case of widespread damage), or cutting an expansion gap.

How do I get water out from under my floor?

Soak Up as Much of the Water as Possible

Towels, mops and clean rags can immediately soak up small puddles and spills. Use a wet vacuum to pull up larger water sources from out the flooring. Don't stop using the wet vacuum even when you can no longer see the water on the surface of the wood.

How do I know if my floor has water damage?

If you have water damaged subfloors, you'll likely notice your floors are swollen or lifted. They may also feel soft or squishy when stepped on. The best choice for damaged subflooring is usually to have it replaced — especially if it is growing mold.

How much water does it take to damage laminate?

Laminate flooring can take small, everyday spills on top of the flooring without seeing any water damage. However, if laminate takes on as much water as a major leak or flood, the flooring will resist water damage for only 2-4 hours. By the 5th hour submerged, laminate will start to swell and be irreparable.

Can laminate flooring get mold?

Moisture on your laminate flooring can cause mold, which is not only unattractive, but can irritate allergies if left unattended. If you notice mold stains on your flooring, use nonabrasive, antimicrobial chemicals to clean the mold away without damaging the laminate floor.

How long does it take for laminate floor to dry?

Because laminate is a dense fiberboard, it takes over two full days to dry. Installed laminate flooring may take weeks to dry, if ever. After complete drying, the laminate flooring will never return to its original dimensions.

How do you flatten a swollen laminate floor?

Run the hair dryer along the swollen flooring until you start to see it contract. Then, use a roller or straight edge to flatten it out. If the piece of laminate starts to swell even more while drying it, you will need to replace it.

Does laminate flooring expand in winter?

As the temperature rapidly changes from cold to hot and back again, your laminate flooring expands and contracts, resulting in curling, peeling and other forms of damage. Making sure that your laminate flooring makes it through the winter is easier when you avoid these sorts of large temperature changes.

How do I know if my subfloor is water damaged?

A water-damaged subfloor feels spongy underfoot. It might bounce or squeak when you walk across the room. Sagging boards, damp spots and unpleasant musty smells are also signs of a rotting subfloor.

Can you mop laminate flooring?

To keep your laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you're going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it's almost completely dry.

What can damage laminate flooring?

Laminate floors need to be swept or vacuumed often to keep them clean. Dirt is an enemy to laminate since it scratches and dulls the finish of the floor. However, sweeping or vacuuming improperly can do more damage to your laminate than the dirt.

Will wet subfloor dry out?

Things like having multiple fans and dehumidifiers can speed up the process, but generally, you're looking at anywhere from 24 to 96 hours for your subfloor to dry out completely. You won't want to rush this process, because the goal is to remove all of the moisture so that it can't cause any further damage.

Can bubbling on laminate flooring be fixed?

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.

How long does laminate flooring last?

Depending on the quality of the flooring, laminate flooring can last between 15 to 25 years on average, or longer. Choosing the right flooring for your home is about more than just aesthetics, it's also about durability and strength.

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