However, one of the biggest risks to laminate flooring is water damage. If water gets underneath the flooring, it can cause the planks to warp, buckle, or even rot.
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.
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.
Ideally you would remove some planks and run a dehumidifier until all is dry. You probably at least want to remove one row of plank to see how much water is still under, if you can, then decide if more removal is needed. If you remove properly, you can re-use them.
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.
In most cases, damaged subflooring doesn't need to be replaced. However, in the event of extensive water damage from flooding or extended periods of exposure to moisture, damaged sections may need to be removed to avoid mold and ensure structural integrity.
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.
Even though your floor looks dry, chances are moisture is still lurking beneath the surface. Moisture can and will find its way into the cracks and crevices of your hardwood flooring. An easy way to remove moisture from your wood floors is to use a dehumidifier.
If your home experiences flooding or standing water for an extended period of time, you will need to replace your luxury vinyl plank flooring before any major damages can set in. Thus, luxury vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, but not flood-proof.
If water penetrates the seams or edges of the laminate planks, it can lead to the growth of mold underneath. This is particularly common in areas with poor ventilation or insufficient drainage.
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.
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.
Start by drying out the affected area using fans or dehumidifiers. If the swelling is minor, you may be able to fix it by gently tapping the swollen boards back into place using a rubber mallet. However, if the swelling is severe, you may need to replace the damaged boards altogether.
Standing water under suspended ground floors is an all too common sight. Water may come and go depending on the seasons and amount of rainfall. The source of water ingress could be any combination of the following: Ground water due to high water table.
Moisture Resistance: Many floating floors are designed to be moisture-resistant or waterproof. This feature makes them suitable for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where moisture levels may be higher.
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.
Water underneath your flooring does not dry out as quickly compared to surface moisture. All floors have a protective top coating that keeps water from immediately soaking into the boards, however, there usually is not this protective coating on the underneath or sides of the boards.
After thoroughly towel drying the floor, add absorbent material like sawdust, baking soda, or kitty litter. Spread a generous amount of the material over the affected area and let it sit overnight. The absorbent material helps to draw out any remaining moisture from the wood and makes it easier to dry.
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. Addressing surface-level moisture as well as any water damage under vinyl floors is essential to avoiding a worsening situation.
Borax is highly recommended as a mold remediation product.
Homeowners insurance generally covers water damage that's sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe bursts or a washing machine overflows and damages your floor, you may be covered. But if the water comes from flooding, standard homeowners insurance typically won't cover it.
Squishy or spongy flooring can sometimes be a sign of water damage, either to the boards themselves or the subfloor. This is often caused by using too much water on the laminate to clean it, such as using a sopping wet mop or steam mop, which damages the wooden core of the laminate boards.
There are many signs that your damaged subfloor should be replaced with a new subfloor. These include squeaks and other noises, cupping or warping, cracked or popped tiles, sagging or unevenness, the smell of mold or mildew, or bubbling tile.