Preventing Water Damage to Laminate Floors
Laminate Flooring and Water: A Delicate Relationship
Laminate flooring, a popular choice for its durability and affordability, has a significant vulnerability: water. Unlike water-resistant materials like ceramic tile or luxury vinyl plank, laminate flooring can sustain severe damage if exposed to moisture.
Delamination: The Nemesis of Laminate Flooring
When water seeps into laminate flooring, it causes the image layer and wear layer to peel away from the board’s core. This process, known as delamination, compromises the flooring’s integrity and can lead to permanent damage.
Water Absorption: A Rapid Downward Spiral
Laminate flooring’s fiberboard core is highly absorbent, and water can penetrate it within hours of exposure. The rate of absorption increases with higher temperatures, causing the boards to swell and buckle.
Identifying and Addressing Water Damage
Water on Top of Laminate Flooring:
- Mop up standing water immediately.
- Thoroughly extract water from seams and edges using a wet-dry vacuum.
- Exercise caution in bathrooms, as water can accumulate around toilets and sinks.
Water Under Laminate Flooring:
- Remove any baseboards or quarter-round around the perimeter.
- Extract water with a wet-dry vacuum if the affected area is small.
- Remove affected floorboards if possible, starting with those that run parallel to the spill.
- If floorboards run perpendicular to the spill, or if it affects the first course, remove all laminate flooring.
Replacing Water-Damaged Floorboards
- Damaged laminate boards cannot be repaired but must be replaced.
- Utilize leftover boards from the original installation or purchase new ones from the manufacturer.
- Remove damaged boards by cutting them out with a circular saw or pulling them out from the end.
Installing Laminate Flooring in Water-Prone Areas
To minimize water damage in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, follow these precautions:
- Fold the underlayment up the wall to create a barrier.
- Fill expansion areas around the perimeter with silicone caulk.
- Remove the toilet and install laminate flooring around it, leaving a 1/4-inch expansion gap.
- Apply molding to the base of showers and bathtubs, and fill the area with silicone caulk.
- For lock-and-fold laminate, apply glue to the tongue portion of the plank and wipe off excess.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can water-damaged laminate flooring be fixed?
- Significant damage may require replacement; minor delamination can be repaired with wood glue.
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How do you repair water-damaged laminate flooring?
- Allow the flooring to dry completely before repairing.
- Apply a small amount of glue to delaminated areas, press down, and wipe off excess.
- Weigh down the repaired area for an hour.
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Does waterproof laminate flooring exist?
- While some laminate flooring is water-resistant, it remains susceptible to moisture.
- Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers a superior alternative for water-prone areas.