How To Repair Water Damaged Laminate Flooring: 4 Easy Steps

Learning how to repair water damaged laminate flooring on your own could be a cost-efficient way of saving your beautiful floors. Fixing the damage is simple and involves evaluating the damage, removing damaged laminate floor planks, and replacing them with new ones.

In the case of extensive damage, you will need professional assistance. However, if you believe you are up for the task, you should equip yourself with the proper knowledge in doing so. Please continue reading to learn what it takes to fix laminate flooring damaged by water!

how to repair water damaged laminate flooring

 

Why Is It Important To Repair Water Damaged Laminate Flooring?

Laminate floors are a common choice for most homeowners since they give the home a more modern feel. Laminated floors expand and contract based on their environment, so they are not recommended for areas with constant fluctuations in humidity, such as the laundry room.

Although laminated floors can withstand the usual spills, the wooden parts of the plank cannot endure constant moisture. Constant exposure to water will cause it to bubble, cup, bend, and break. Not only will these floors look hideous, they can also pose a threat to your safety.

By ignoring the water damage, it can spread to other planks, and you might eventually need to replace the entirety of the flooring. The bent laminated flooring can also be a trip and fall hazard. In addition, water and moisture accumulating under the floors can promote the growth of mold and mildew, which are serious health hazards.

 

How To Fix Damaged Laminate Flooring

To fix laminate floors, you will need protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and masks. You will also need measuring tape, flooring adhesive, cleaning solvents, a utility knife, and replacement laminate floor planks.

 

Step #1. Finding the cause of the damage

Finding the cause of the water damage is perhaps the most crucial part of the ordeal. Repairing the floors without repairing the cause of the damage will just make things worse. Usually, the damage found on laminate floors is caused by leaks.

It would be best if you began by checking the appliances near the damaged area of the laminate floor. The water damage could be caused by leaks from washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances. If the appliances do not cause the damage, it might be a leaky or burst pipe.

You might be able to fix the damaged pipes yourself. However, if you cannot find the cause of the water damage or are unsure how to fix the plumbing, you should seek the help of a professional. Paying a professional plumber should be no big deal if you have insurance covering accidental water damage from leaking pipes.

 

Step #2. Evaluating the extent of the damage

After repairing the root of the water damage, you should evaluate the extent of damages in your laminate floors. Take note of all the cracks, bends, and bubbles by placing markers or encircling them using a marker.

Once you find all of the damaged planks, you can begin to evaluate how many planks to purchase. Unfortunately, you will have to replace the entire damaged plank since it cannot be cut up. In that case, you need to get the correct measurements and count the number you will need for the repair.

You should look for matching planks. If you bought laminate floors from a manufacturer before, you should try going to them first to find the matching design.

However, looking for the exact design can be difficult. If you cannot find matching planks, you can settle for designs that look similar enough to remain unnoticed.

 

Step #3. Removing damaged flooring

Once you have all the tools and the right number of planks, you can remove damaged planks. Remove the damaged planks by using a putty knife on the damaged edges. Once all of the planks have been removed, check underneath for signs of mold and mildew.

Clean the bare floor, especially if there are signs of mold growth. You can use cleaning solvents, or you can opt for homemade cleaning solutions.

 

Step #4. Replacing the damaged planks

To install your new floors, first, check if they are the perfect size. Make sure that the bare floor is clean and is free from dirt and mold.

Afterward, you can add floor adhesive and place the laminated planks. Place heavy objects on top of the laminated plank so that it attaches properly to the bare floor. Leave it for a few hours until the floor adhesive dries up.

In the case of small repairs, you can do it all at once. However, if you are replacing multiple planks, you may consider doing the installation in batches.

 

Conclusion

Many homeowners around the world prefer laminate floors for their beauty. These floors can withstand occasional spills but are susceptible to damage and decay if exposed to constant moisture.

Luckily, you can learn how to repair the water damaged laminate flooring by yourself to avoid labor fees and save up on your possible insurance claim. By following four simple steps, you can completely replace and reinstall your floors like a professional.

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