Water Damaged Laminate Floor: How To Fix After Getting Wet

Laminate flooring is a great way to remodel your home. Although laminate flooring is extremely durable, it can be damaged by water. This article will show you how to repair a laminate floor damaged by water or flooding. The guide will cover everything you need to know about repairing laminate floors that have been damaged by water, including drying and how to prevent mold growth.

Is it possible to repair water damaged laminate flooring?

You can repair most water-damaged laminate flooring, even though there are risks of swelling or warping. It is important to get started quickly with cleanup and dry the boards completely. You are more likely to damage your flooring if you wait too long to get started.

What happens to laminate flooring when water gets in?

Laminate flooring can be damaged by water soaking through the layers. It can cause boards to warp and swell once it gets inside. They can also become weaker and fall apart from the weakness of the glue that holds them together. The four layers of laminate floorboards are typically made up of four layers.

  • Backing Layer – The backing layer is the layer at the bottom that touches the floor. It serves two purposes: it acts as a moisture barrier, and it helps balance the floor board below.
  • Base or Core Layer – The core or base layer is located on top of the backing. This is the core structure of every board. This is usually made from a high-density composite wood material.
  • The Design Layer or Image Layer – Next, the design layer gives the floorboard its pattern or design. A layer of thin paper or resin is used to print an image and glue it to the base layer.
  • Wear Layer – The board is finished with several layers of clear resin. This protects the board from scratches and daily wear. It acts as a moisture barrier, keeping out water.

Water damage is most likely to occur to the base layer. Replacing laminate flooring can only be done if the base layer has been damaged.

Are Water Damaged Laminate Flooring Possible to Save?

There are three things you should consider when deciding whether water-damaged laminate flooring can be saved.

  • You can save your flooring by increasing the amount of water you have.
  • Time required – The less time laminate floors remain wet the better.
  • The source of the water – Laminated laminate can usually be saved by using clean water from a burst pipe, water tank flood or other sources. Additional risks are presented by groundwater flooding and sewage backups.

How do you dry laminate flooring after water damage?

These steps will show you how to dry laminate flooring following water damage such as a flood or major leak. You can wipe your laminate flooring with a towel if you have only spilled water.

  1. You must first remove standing water if your laminate floor is still covered in water. To soak up less than one inch of water, you can use a mop and towels. You can use a pump or wet-dry vacuum to extract larger amounts of water.
  2. You will need to take out the flooring. Remove the trim and then each board. This will make drying laminate flooring much easier.
  3. Dry each floorboard – Next, dry the flooring using high-volume fans or dehumidifiers. To speed drying, lift each board. However, you must keep them flat. They can become bent or warped, making it more difficult to reinstall them.
  4. Dry and Clean the Subflooring. While the laminate boards dry, drain any water remaining on the subflooring. To absorb excess water, use towels and fans to dry the area. Use soap and warm water to clean the subfloor if necessary. To prevent mold and odors, disinfect the subfloor with bleach and water.
  5. Clean and disinfect the floorboards – After they are dry completely, wash them with warm water and soap. After drying them, wipe them with a towel and then disinfect them with bleach. This will kill any mold growth and prevent unpleasant odors. Allow them to dry completely before you reinstall.
  6. Reinstall Your Floorboards – Next, reinstall your laminate flooring. It may be necessary for some boards to be replaced depending on the extent of damage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wet Laminate Flooring

These are the top questions that is received about how to repair water damaged laminate flooring. Give a call to restoration experts if you have any questions or need assistance cleaning up the damage.

How long does it take to dry laminate flooring?

It should take between 12 and 36 hours for laminate flooring to dry if you have removed the flooring and used high-volume fans or dehumidifiers. It depends on the number of floorboards you have and what equipment you use.

Laminate floors can take up to seven days to dry using regular house fans. You should not dry laminate flooring that is wet in its place. This could lead to it drying out for weeks.

What should you do if your laminate flooring is damaged by water?

Wet laminate flooring should be replaced immediately after a sewage backup because of the possibility of mold and bacteria. If you are unable to start cleaning up immediately after a flood, the same applies. You may also need to replace swollen boards.

Can Wet Laminate Dry On Its Own?

While laminate flooring that is wet will eventually dry, it may take several weeks for it to dry completely. This increases the likelihood of mold growth and can cause the floor to begin to crack.

What is the time it takes for mold to grow under wet laminate?

Mold can grow under laminate flooring within 24 to 48 hours. It can take up to 12-24 hours for mold to grow under wet laminate flooring after a sewage backup, or groundwater flooding. The likelihood of mold growth is greater if you wait for cleanup to start.

How can laminate flooring retain moisture?

Laminate flooring moisture can be removed by removing the boards and laying them flat to dry. For the fastest drying, place dehumidifiers and high-volume fans. Avoid heating as heat can cause boards to shrink or warp.

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