Laminate flooring and moisture do not go well together. Unlike other flooring materials, such as porcelain tile and vinyl, even the best laminate flooring in Canada is not impervious to water damage.
Moreover, if laminate flooring installation in Toronto or wherever you live is not expertly done, it poses a higher risk in moisture-rich environments. So, how do you manage water-damaged laminate flooring? And how do you prevent future damage to your laminate floors?
Learn all you need to know about managing damaged laminate flooring right here.
Let’s get started.
What happens to laminate flooring when it is exposed to moisture?
Even the best laminate flooring in Canada, if not expertly installed, runs a high risk of water damage, especially in moisture-prone areas. The result is delamination, where the image layer and wear later begin to separate from the top of the board, leading to additional damage.
Trying to dry laminate flooring is never a good idea either, because, once fully dried, the flooring will never return to its original dimensions.
Scenario 1: Water on Laminate Flooring
Have you installed laminate flooring in your kitchen? Then make sure to colour coordinate your cabinets with laminate flooring for the perfect look. But occasional spills and accidents are normal. When you spill water on laminate, a simple mop is enough to take care of the mess.
If your laminate flooring has open seams and damaged areas, any type of water exposure will cause problems. If the water has reached edges or open seams, use a wet-dry vacuum to extract the water.
It is best not to install laminate flooring in a full bathroom, but it is acceptable to install it in half bathrooms as water usage is considerably less likely there.
Scenario 2: Water Under Laminate Flooring
This scenario involves waterlogging under the laminate flooring. First, remove the water immediately. If there is a small amount of leakage towards the edge of the flooring, pull up the shoe moulding or baseboard around the perimeter of the leakage.
Although you may use a wet-dry vacuum to extract the water, this may not be very effective. The best thing to do is to remove the affected floorboards. This type of water damage to laminate flooring happens when the installation is improper.
Please note that if your laminate flooring has been submerged in water for more than a few hours, it is likely that the damage is irreversible.
Solution and Preventive Measures
Just like many other flooring products such as hardwood, laminate flooring is prone to damage from prolonged exposure to moisture. However, even though solid wood flooring can be salvaged through sanding, laminate flooring is different. Since water-damaged laminate flooring cannot be sanded, it needs to be replaced.
During the installation of laminate flooring in Toronto or other places, you may have leftover laminate boards which can be used to replace the damaged ones. It is best to hire professional laminate flooring installation in Toronto for the best results. This extends to replacing damaged laminate boards.
But is there waterproof laminate flooring? Even the best laminate flooring in Canada cannot promise that. They may be water-resistant but not waterproof. Hence it is best not to install laminate in high moisture areas of your home.
The Bottom Line
Laminate flooring is a great choice for homes and commercial spaces. But, like any other flooring, it has certain drawbacks. When installing laminate flooring in Toronto or elsewhere, it is best to seek out professional assistance as poor or subpar installation can be expensive to replace. Make sure to use high-quality laminate flooring for a more durable floor. Experiencing water-damaged laminate flooring? Get in touch with a reputable flooring store for your issues.
