How to deal with water damaged laminate flooring

Damage can occur when water penetrates the gaps between laminate planks. Signs of water damage include swelling and bubbling of the top layer. Laminate is a layered material, and excess water can cause the layers to separate.

If the water damage is not too severe, remove the damaged planks and allow them to dry completely. Then, treat the exposed edges with wood glue so that it penetrates the layers. Clamp the planks tightly so that the layers are solidly glued together, and then place the laminate flooring planks back in place.

If there are several planks beyond repair, remove them and replace them with matching new planks. If matching planks cannot be found, try swapping the damaged planks with good condition planks from an unseen part of the floor, such as under furniture or a rug. It’s a good idea to purchase extra planks when fitting a new laminate floor, as these can be used to replace damaged ones.

Of course, it is even better to prevent water damage in the first place. If the laminate flooring is in a North Wales location that is commonly at risk of flooding, install flood prevention barriers.

In high moisture areas such as bathrooms, install special water-resistant laminate flooring or apply a polyurethane coating to existing laminate flooring to repel water.

Avoid using too much water when mopping laminate flooring, and dry with a cloth after wet mopping. If liquid spills on the floor or a pet has an accident, promptly clean it up.

Here are just a few tips that you can try in your home. If you have any of your own, feel free to comment and share them below.