Will water damage laminate flooring? Yes, it will, and understanding why is crucial for protecting your investment. Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability, durability, and ability to mimic the look of hardwood or stone. However, despite its many advantages, it has one significant vulnerability: water damage.
But unlike waterproof flooring, laminate cannot survive if continuously exposed to moisture. Water will seep through the seams and the layers, and it would surely warp, swell, or even develop molds if it’s not attended to immediately.
In this blog, we’ll dive into:
- Composition and distinctive features of the laminate flooring.
- How water affects laminate and what kind of damage it can cause.
- Preventative measures and solutions for protecting your floors from water damage.
Knowing these aspects will help you make informed decisions on how to maintain your laminate floors for their best look and performance.
Understanding Laminate Flooring
What is Laminate Flooring Made Of?
Laminate flooring is a multi-layered product engineered to provide aesthetic appeal and functional durability. It is made of:
- Wear Layer: This is the top, tough, transparent layer that resists scratches, stains, and minor damages.
- Design Layer: It consists of a high-resolution photographic image of natural-appearing materials such as wood, stone, or tile.
- Core Layer: This layer is made of HDF or MDF and provides strength and stability.
- Backing Layer: A base layer that is resistant to moisture adds to the structural integrity and helps in preventing warping.
Why Homeowners Love Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is widely loved for its versatility and practicality. Key benefits include:
- Cost-effective: It is relatively more inexpensive compared to hardwood or stone options.
- Durability: The wear layer protects against everyday wear and tear, making it suitable for busy households.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple cleaning routines keep it looking fresh.
- Aesthetic Variety: Laminate flooring is available in countless designs, colors, and textures to suit any style.
Common Uses for Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has a wide range of uses in many rooms of a house:
- Living Rooms and Bedrooms: The warmth and design make it a popular choice for interiors.
- Offices and Studios: It is durable enough to take on heavy foot traffic and maintain an attractive appearance in an apartment or studio.
- Low-Moisture Areas: Though not ideal for bathrooms or basements, in kitchens, it works quite well with proper care and precautions.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of laminate flooring will help you to maximize its strong points and protect it from potential weak spots, mainly water.
How Water Affects Laminate Flooring
Laminate Flooring: Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof
A common misconception is that laminate flooring is waterproof. Where there is usually a protective wear layer, this only provides water resistance, not complete waterproofing.
- Water-resistant: Laminate flooring could withstand minor spills and damp mopping if cleaned immediately.
- Waterproof: Unlike true waterproof materials, laminate flooring can’t withstand prolonged exposure to moisture or standing water.
How Water Seep into the Laminate Flooring
Water can seep into laminate flooring, weakening its structure in a number of ways:
- Edges and Seams: This is the interlocking system between planks, which is a primary entry point for water.
- Joints: The point at which the planks meet is highly susceptible, unless sealed properly.
- Surface Damage: Scratches or wear can weaken the protective layer and allow water to seep into the core.
Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Water Exposure
As soon as water seeps into the structure of laminate flooring, the situation can quickly worsen:
Immediate Effects:
- Swelling along the edges and seams.
- A spongy or soft feeling underfoot.
Long-Term Effects:
- Warping: Planks become uneven and lose their shape.
- Discoloration: Affected areas may appear darker or stained.
- Mold and Mildew: Moisture trapped beneath the flooring fosters microbial growth, posing health risks.
The Most Important Signs of Water Damage to Laminate Flooring
Many kinds of destruction could be prevented if identified as early as possible. Among the most common symptoms include:
Buckling and Lifting
- Due to contact between the laminate flooring and water, the planks:
- Bend or rise at the sides
- Buckle off from the subfloor, showing the irregular surfaces
Gaps Between Planks
- Expansion or contraction of planks subjected to water may cause:
- Appear an open gap between the boards.
- Misalignment that disrupts the smooth appearance of the floor.
Mold or Mildew Growth
- Too much trapped moisture under the floor can result in:
- A musty smell in the room.
- Visible mold growth around the seams or underneath planks.
Fading or Discoloration
- Water-damaged areas tend to look different from the rest of the flooring:
- Dark spots where water has seeped into the flooring.
- Faded or stained patches from prolonged exposure.
When These Signs Become Irreversible
Unfortunately, severe water damage to laminate flooring is often irreversible:
- Swollen or warped planks cannot return to their original shape.
- Mold infestation necessitates the immediate removal of the attacked material.
In case you notice any of the above signs, it is relevant to take immediate action and eliminate further destruction or complete replacement of flooring.
Common Causes of Water Damage to Laminate Flooring
Identifying causes that create water damage will go a long way in saving on repairs. Following are some common causes:
Spills and Leaks from Appliances
- Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators may cause water damage as outlined below.
- Drips or slow leaks may not always be detected until damage has already set in.
- Sudden appliance malfunctions or overflows may dump a considerable quantity of water on the floor.
Too Much Humidity or Insufficient Ventilation
- High humidity levels and poor airflow create moisture-related issues:
- In humid climates or rooms like bathrooms, moisture can seep into the laminate over time.
- Lack of ventilation prevents moisture from evaporating, exacerbating water exposure.
Flooding and Plumbing Issues
- Basement floods and plumbing failures are among the most severe causes of water damage:
- Burst pipes or heavy rains can saturate laminate flooring.
- Prolonged standing water compromises the floor’s structural integrity.
Improper Installation and Lack of Moisture Barriers
- Installation errors can leave your laminate flooring vulnerable: water can seep in through gaps or uneven seams; failing to install moisture barriers in areas like kitchens or basements increases the risk.
How to Avoid Water Damages to Laminate Flooring
Water damage to laminate flooring can be prevented by taking some precautionary measures in advance:
Get Water-Resistant or Waterproof Laminate
- Go for laminates made with the inclusion of moisture-resistant features.
- The water-resistant core and sealed edges add to the protection of the flooring from water.
Installation
- Use good-quality underlayment that creates a barrier between the subfloor and laminate.
- Seal the edges and joints to minimize the chance of water seeping through the joints.
Ensure Proper Installation
- Installation mistakes can be prevented by hiring experienced professionals.
- Practice regular maintenance and cleaning: wipe up spills immediately to avoid instances of water sitting on the surface, use a damp-not wet-mop for cleaning to prevent excess water exposure, check for leaks around appliances and plumbing.
Install Moisture Barriers in Prone Areas:
Allow for the addition of a moisture barrier in areas like basements, kitchens, and entryways. Consider additional waterproofing measures in rooms with frequent exposure to water.
What to Do If Your Laminate Flooring Gets Wet
Accidents happen, but the faster the action is taken, the better one can reduce water damage to laminate flooring.
Immediate Actions to Minimize Damage
- Dry the Area: Absorb standing water with towels.
- Increase Air Circulation: Switch on fans and open windows for proper drying.
- Use Dehumidifiers: Remove extra moisture from the air to hasten drying.
Determine Whether the Damage Is Repairable
- Check the planks for swelling, buckling, or discoloration
- The core might be penetrated with water if the planks are soft and spongy
Damaged Laminate Flooring: How to Know When to Replace and Repair
- Severely warped and moldy planks are unrecoverable and need replacement as soon as possible.
- Mild water damage can potentially be repaired by replacing specific damaged boards and resealing seams
Restoration Options from Professionals
- Get in touch with a professional floor technician when the extent of the damage is extensive and not very clear.
- Professionals can let you know if there are hidden problems in the subfloor and what the effective solutions are.
By acting quickly and following these steps, you can limit the effects of water damage and protect your laminate flooring for years to come.
FAQs About Laminate Flooring and Water Damage
Can You Waterproof Laminate Flooring After Installation?
No, laminate flooring cannot be fully waterproofed after installation. While sealing the edges and seams can offer some protection, it won’t make the flooring impervious to water. For areas exposed to frequent moisture, consider replacing laminate with a waterproof alternative.
How Long Can Laminate Flooring Withstand Water Exposure?
Laminate flooring can handle water exposure only for a few hours:
- In case of immediate cleaning of spills, no damage may be evident or occur.
- Flooding and leaks result in long-term water exposure, causing irreversible damage such as warping and swelling.
What’s the Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof Laminate?
- Water-resistant: Can sustain minor spills and damp mopping but not sustained exposure to moisture.
- Waterproof: completely resistant to water infiltration, usually having a sealed core and protective layers. This rarely happens in laminate flooring but does occur in more expensive vinyl or hybrid products.
Will water damage laminate flooring? Yes, it does, and there are all reasons to learn about this risk and the ways of neutralizing it. Laminate flooring is an appealing, budgetary option for most homes, yet its sensitivity to water makes it unsuitable for areas of higher moisture concentration.
Preventative measures can indeed help in extending the life of the laminate flooring: proper installation, water-resistant materials, and regular maintenance. If damage occurs, quick action is vital in limiting repair or replacement costs.
Tri-State Ready Restoration offers the expertise you need to protect and repair water-damaged floors. Our goal is to keep your floors in top condition, and we will do our best to provide you with options that can meet your needs. Contact us today!
