Laminate floor and contact with water - What damage can it cause and how to repair it?

Laminate flooring is made from compact boards that are snapped together, which makes it resistant to normal impacts and wear and tear. It has a pleasant design, an adequate price and is easy to maintain. However, despite these advantages, laminate flooring can be sensitive to moisture and water, which can cause various damages. In this article, we will look at these damages and learn how we can fix them.

But before that, let's talk about the biggest advantages of laminate floors. Their advantages include:

 

Aesthetic appearance: Laminate flooring is available in a wide variety of designs and imitations of wood, stone and other materials, allowing owners to choose the flooring that best matches their interior.

 

Scratch resistance: Laminate floors have a surface with a durable surface layer that protects against scratches and wear.

 

Easy installation: Laminate flooring is often sold with a simple lock system that allows for quick and convenient installation without the use of glue.

 

Easy maintenance: Laminate floors are easy to maintain, mostly regular vacuuming and wiping with a damp cloth is enough.

 

Damage to the laminate floor due to contact with water

 

Floor bulging: If a laminate floor comes into direct contact with water, it can absorb moisture and bulge. This causes protrusions and an unaesthetic appearance of the floor.

 

Warps and other warping: Water can warp laminate boards, which can lead to irregular joints and warping of the floor.

 

Disintegration of the surface layer: Long-term contact with moisture can damage the protective surface layer of the laminate, which can cause it to disintegrate and lose resistance to wear.

 

How to repair a damaged laminate floor

 

1. Quick reaction: If water gets on the laminate floor, it is important to react quickly. Drying the floor quickly can minimize damage.

 

2. Removal of damaged boards: If the floor is badly damaged, it may be necessary to remove the affected boards and replace them with new ones.

 

3. Using a floor repair kit: For minor stains or scratches on the laminate, you can use special repair kits available at flooring stores.

 

4. Protection against moisture: Prevent contact with water and moisture by ensuring that floors are properly mopped and kept dry.

 

5. Seek professional help: For serious damage or if you do not know how to repair a laminate floor, it is best to seek professional help from professionals.