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What You Should Know About Laminate Floor Water Damage

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laminate floor water damage

Laminate flooring is still a popular choice and one of the top options for increasing the value of your home. This type of flooring can resist occasional spills and offers homeowners an affordable way to achieve their dream wood look. However, if this type of flooring has been saturated with some amount of water or any liquid, it can lead to laminate floor water damage. 

3 Signs of Laminate Floor Water Damage

The following are all signs of long-lasting water damage to laminate floors:

1.  Loose Boards and Buckling

Planks become loose due to water damage. And if this damage from water continues over time, buckling and warping would be an issue as well. You would also feel something uneven when you walk across the room or slats give way when your foot presses them. In these cases, you need to call your laminate floor installers because an unstable structure is quite dangerous. 

2. Discoloration

When slats see a lot of stagnant water, it becomes an issue. And due to excess moisture, discoloration may occur. To see color changes well, you can use a flashlight and shine the beam at an angle to the planks.

3. Growth of Mold

Mold grows in a dark, moist environment. This usually happens when water stays and gets trapped under the boards. You will see mold eventually creeping upwards from the subfloor to the top of the surface. 

 If you see dark green or black streaks in between the planks, you will need to fully replace them. If ignored, mold and its musty smell can spread throughout your home and might harm your health.

 

How to Fix Laminate Floor Water Damage

Laminate flooring is a popular and cost-effective choice for many homeowners but can be vulnerable to water damage. So, learning how to fix laminate floor water damage is crucial to prevent further damage and avoid needing expensive repairs or replacement. Here are some steps you can take to fix laminate floor water damage:

1.) Before you start the repair, make sure that the source of water damage is contained. Flood or standing water from leaky pipes underneath can cause significant damage to your laminate floors. So the first step is to find the cause of water damage and check for leaks. Also check for appliances that are near the affected area such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. 

For checking the toilets and pipes underneath the flooring, consider hiring water damage professionals. They will help to stop the leaks and prevent further damage.

2.) Prepare all the necessary things for fixing the laminate floor.

a. Tools such as safety goggles, pliers, hammer, measuring tape, utility knife, putty knife, cleaning solvent, flooring adhesive, replacement underlayment material

b. New laminate planks that have the same design as the affected ones.

3.) You are now ready to remove the damaged planks. Be sure that you have already prepared the replacement planks and have identified all of the damaged boards.

  • Begin by pulling the damaged planks slowly and carefully. Use the putty knife on the edges that are damaged.
  • Remove the whole plank even if only a small part of it is damaged. Because it will just get worse once you leave it there.
  • You need to remove the whole plank so as to expose the floor beneath.
  • Check the bare floor for signs of mold growth. If there’s mold, you have to clean it before you begin the installation of new planks.

4.) The most challenging part of repairing a laminate floor is replacing the damaged planks. This is true especially if the designs are hard to find. If not available, you might consider installing laminate flooring completely with almost the same design or a different one.

5.) Finally, you can install the new planks. Be sure that the bare flooring is clean. After checking the planks to see if they would fit perfectly, add some adhesive and begin putting them. 

You can also place a heavy object on the new laminate flooring. Let it stay there for hours until the adhesive dries up.

Prevention Tips for Laminate Floor Water Damage

Here are some tips you can do to prevent your home from water-damaged laminate flooring.

  • Keep it away from areas that are susceptible to high moisture or water. 

Areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements are not the best option for laminate floors. You may choose vinyl flooring in these water-damaged areas of your home instead since it’s resistant to moisture.

  • Wipe up spills right away.

Never allow standing water to remain on your laminate floor for long periods of time. Dry mopping it immediately is a great way to prevent water damage, especially on your floors. Cleaning up various kinds of spills the right way will help your floors maintain a good appearance and longevity.

  • Do basic home check-ups.

Checking up on appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, etc. once every few months is necessary to prevent water damage. Make sure that they are functioning well and are not leaking. Check under sinks, around water heaters, and behind toilets for any signs of water damage issues. This will help you prevent damage in the future.

  • Maintain normal levels of relative humidity.

Use dehumidifiers to maintain at least 35% to 65% relative humidity level.

  • Consult professionals.

It is always wise and best to consult a wood floor professional for your laminate flooring repairs. Consult a water damage restoration professional for your water damage issues as well as mold damage.

Need Help With Your Laminate Floor Water Damage? Seek Professional Assistance

How to fix laminate floor water damage completely is best done with the help of skilled professionals. This is true especially if the damage is so significant. Superior Restoration is ready to help you even in emergency water damage cases. This will help you avoid issues that might cause more damage to your laminate floor.

Contact our team today to get started on the process, Water Damage Corona. We will make your laminate floors look new again! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to better serve you!

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