How to Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage [6 Methods]

Laminate flooring is becoming increasingly popular among homes as a result of its appealing appearance, functionality, and long-lasting sturdiness.

By design, laminate flooring will survive for many years with little maintenance and upkeep.

The link between laminate flooring and water, on the other hand, is tricky.

Water damage can be caused by the wood materials used in laminate flooring installations.

So, what is the best way to repair laminate flooring that has been damaged by water?

If the laminate is fitted in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is designed to tolerate minor spills on a regular basis.

Direct water damage caused by the shoddy or amateurish installation is a different story, and it might result in unforeseen expenses.

When a laminate becomes supersaturated with water, it begins to absorb the moisture, which causes the laminate material’s composition to decompose and become less stable.

Plumbing leaks, wet mopping, and liquid spills all contribute to a wide range of issues in the long run.

If you leave any planks unattended for an extended period of time, you will notice that they begin to buckle or bend in an odd manner.

All of these are indications that your laminate flooring requires repair, as well as some suggestions for how to repair laminate floor water damage.

Symptoms of Laminate Floor Deterioration

Examine your laminate floor for the following signs and symptoms to determine if it has been damaged.

• Bubbling.
• Splitting.
• Buckling.
• Cracking.
• Cupping to an excessive degree.
• Mold is clearly visible.
• Discoloration, among other things.

Various Types of Laminate Damage

Before beginning the process of repairing water-related damage to laminate flooring, it is critical to understand the many types of damage that can occur.

And here’s also the Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring.

This particular type of flooring is not compatible with wet or humid situations and can be irrevocably destroyed even if only exposed to the elements for a short time.

It is explicitly stated in the manufacturer’s instructions that laminate floors should not be installed in rooms that see frequent changes in temperature or humidity, such as a bathroom or laundry room.

Changes in the environment have an effect on the materials used in laminate flooring, which cause them to expand and contract.

If they become extremely wet, bubbles will develop on the laminate floor!

Having said that, laminate floors will not simply disintegrate the moment water comes into contact with them.

It is not necessary to panic if a liquid is spilled on top of the wood flooring.

This is a simple problem that can be resolved quickly if handled correctly.

It is recommended that you wipe up the area as soon as possible after a liquid spill and that you do not allow the water to travel any farther than it needs to go.

The true problem occurs when water seeps through the laminate flooring and into the subflooring.

It is necessary to build expansion gaps between laminate floors in order for them to expand and contract as needed.

This is vital, but it also creates space for water to infiltrate underneath and cause serious difficulties in the future.

If water manages to find its way underneath the boards, it is far more probable that they will be harmed.

Obviously, fixing laminate flooring is not always an option, as you may imagine.

6 Simple DIY Methods To Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage

Although there is a risk of swelling and warping, water-damaged laminate flooring can usually be repaired in the majority of cases.

Cleanup should begin as soon as possible, and boards should be allowed to dry completely before reinstalling.

The longer you wait to begin cleaning up, the more probable it is that the water may cause damage to your floor.

Method 1: Identify and Stop the Leak

If you are unable to locate the source of a leak, contact a professional as soon as possible to avoid further property damage.

What is the first step in figuring out how to repair a laminate floor that has been damaged by water?

It’s straightforward:

Prevent it from becoming any more soaked.

It will be impossible to repair the damage unless the leak is stopped first.

With this in mind, the first step in repairing the damage is to determine where the water is coming from.

Flooding can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which include defective appliances (leaking dishwashers are a common source of concern), leaking toilets, and ruptured pipes.

If you are unable to locate the leak on your own, you should seek the assistance of a local contractor or water damage professional to assist you.

Method 2: Examine the locking system to determine whether any plans have been damaged

You will be able to determine the regions that have been devastated in this manner.

This phase should be straightforward, but it will necessitate your complete concentration.

Check for warping and bubbles, and be as thorough as possible in your assessment.

The afflicted regions should be marked with a marker pen or with sticky notes, depending on how severe the damage is.

You will be able to swiftly assess the extent of the damage and take the necessary steps to rectify it in this manner.

Method 3: Remove the Planks That Have Been Damaged

It is necessary to remove the damaged planks from the floor after you have gathered all of the materials you intend to utilize.

Check that you have already identified all of the damaged locations and that you have purchased the replacement planks before you begin removing the old boards.

Begin by carefully removing the broken planks from the floor.

Make use of the putty knife to repair any broken edges.

Even if only a tiny portion of the plank is damaged, you must remove the entire plank because if you leave it in place, the damage will only worsen.

Remove the entire plank in order to reveal the floor beneath it.

Make sure there are no traces of mold on the bare floor and that it is clean before you begin installing the new planks.

Method 4: Replace the Planks that have been damaged

This is the most difficult element of repairing a laminate floor because you have to make certain that the laminate planks are all of the same design as the rest of the floor.

If you’ve purchased extra planks during the installation of your laminate flooring, you shouldn’t have any problems when it comes time to replace them.

If, on the other hand, you did not purchase any extras, you will have to spend some time looking for the laminate floor‘s design.

If the laminate floor has been in place for a number of years, there is a possibility that the design you are seeking has already been phased out of production.

You have two options: either choose a design that is almost identical to the design of your laminate floor or entirely modify the look of your flooring.

A total replacement may be necessary if there are numerous damaged planks; however, if only a few of them are damaged, it may be difficult to find a design that is suitable.

Method 5: Placing the New Planks on the Floor

Inspection and cleaning of the bare flooring should be completed prior to beginning the installation process.

Examine the new planks to see whether or not they would be a perfect match on the bare floorboards.

After that, apply some glue to the laminate planks and begin gluing them in place.

Lay down a heavy object on top of the new laminate and keep it there for a couple of hours to allow the adhesive to dry completely.

Method 6: Finish by Reinstalling The Flooring

How to Fix Laminate Floor Water Damage

Remember to match any graphics on the laminate flooring as closely as possible.

Apply enough adhesive and place and hefty object on your new laminate.

If placed in water-prone places, such the bathroom, allow the floor to dry completely before using.

What exactly is the cause of the water damage to laminate flooring?

Water destroys laminate flooring by penetrating the layers and causing damage.

The moisture causes the boards to swell and warp after it has penetrated them.

It also weakens the glue that binds them together, increasing the likelihood that they will eventually come apart.

Laminate flooring normally has four layers, which are as follows:

Support Layer — The support Layer is the lowest layer of the structure that is in contact with the ground.

It serves as a moisture barrier as well as a means of balancing the board on the floor underneath it.

The base or core layer sits on top of the backing and is made of a variety of materials.

Each board is organized around this central core.

High-density fiberboard is a type of composite wood material that is commonly used in this application.

Design or Image Layer — The design or image layer is the next layer in the floorboard‘s construction, and it is responsible for its pattern or design.

A thin paper or resin layer is printed with an image, which is then attached to the foundation layer.

Wear Layer – Finally, the board is coated with many layers of transparent resin to protect it from wear and tear.

This helps to keep the board free of scratches and everyday wear and tear, which can damage it.

It also serves as a moisture barrier, preventing water from entering.

In terms of water damage, the base layer is the most vulnerable.

Once the foundation layer of the laminate flooring has been compromised, the only choice is to replace it.

Is It Possible to Restore Water Damaged Laminate Flooring?

When determining whether or not you can save water-damaged laminate flooring, there are three factors to take into consideration:

Water Quantity – The greater the amount of water available, the less likely it is that your flooring will be saved.

The length of time that laminate floors remain wet reduces the likelihood that they will be salvageable.

A burst pipe or a water tank flood can cause the laminate to be damaged, although it is usually possible to save the laminate that has been damaged.

Mold and germs can be found in sewage backups and groundwater floods, which can pose significant threats to human health.

Our Final Thoughts

Fixing water-damaged laminate flooring is a difficult operation, but it can be accomplished with the help of the above-mentioned suggestions on How to fix laminate floor water damage?

You will be able to repair your laminate floor instead of having to replace it entirely, saving you money.

It is a wonderful organization that provides emergency support, 24 hours a day.

If you are not sure exactly how to do the task or need a professional suggestion, Titan Restoration of AZ is the firm to call.

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