How to Fix Water Damage Laminate Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

We all know and love laminate flooring for its durability and affordability, but it’s not immune to one of the most challenging adversaries homeowners face: water damage. If left untreated, water damage to laminate flooring can greatly reduce lifespan and compromise appearance. In this article, we’ll guide you through fixing water-damaged laminate flooring. Let’s dive in!

Prepping to Fix Laminate Floor Water Damage

First, it’s essential to identify the signs of water damage in your laminate flooring. This might look like buckling, bubbling, or cracking in the surface or even the appearance of mold. If you spot any of these issues, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. However, it’s important to note that if the damage is severe, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help with this project.

Step 1: Clean Up Any Moisture and Contain Its Source

Before you can fix the damage, you must address the water source causing the issue. This may involve inspecting nearby pipes or appliances for leaks and properly repairing them. Once the source of the leakage has been addressed, clean up any remaining moisture to avoid further damage.

Step 2: Inspect the Floor and Locate All Damaged Areas

Now that the source of water damage has been fixed, it’s time to take a closer look at your laminate flooring. Carefully examine the floor for any signs of damage we mentioned earlier, such as discoloration, bubbling, or buckling. Mark any damaged areas for repair with sticky notes or cloth tape. Check for potentially dangerous mold growth and contact a mold remediation specialist if needed.

Step 3: Remove Damaged Planks

With your safety glasses on, begin removing the damaged laminate planks. You might need a putty knife or pry bar to help with this process, especially if some planks are close to walls. Remember that laminate planks have an interlocking tongue and groove system, so be cautious when prying them apart to avoid further damage. Keep any undamaged planks aside for reinstallation later.

Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Subfloor

After removing the damaged planks, check the subfloor for any signs of mold or moisture damage. Clean the area thoroughly to prepare for the installation of new laminate planks.

Step 5: Replace Damaged Planks

Now comes the time to replace your damaged planks with new ones. Hopefully, some leftover planks from the original installation match your floors. If not, check with the manufacturer or search online for a suitable replacement. Remember to acclimate your new planks in the room where they’ll be installed for 2-3 days before moving forward.

Start at the furthest point from the wall when installing the new planks and work your way in. Properly fit the tongue and groove edges together to ensure a secure installation. Use a hammer and a damaged plank to gently tap the new plank into place.

Final Steps

Once all the damaged planks have been replaced, it’s time to reinstall any baseboards, thresholds, or molding you had removed earlier. Secure them into place with finishing nails, making sure to use the existing holes for a clean finish.

And there you have it – your laminate flooring is back to looking its beautiful best! Be sure to keep up with good cleaning practices and address any moisture issues promptly to prevent future water damage. With proper care, your laminate floors will serve you well for years.

Happy flooring!