Can laminate floors be repaired? Well, this is a common question that most homeowners ask considering this type of floor is quite delicate. The laminate floors are similar to wooden floors and are quite fragile as well. The laminate floors are designed with wood grain features and planks of the same sizes as the wood.
Although these floors are delicate, most homeowners still prefer them because they are attractive and easy to maintain since they don’t need much maintenance services. The floors are also durable as long as you follow the right measures, especially in cleaning and the best part is that; the floors are repairable in case of damage.
How to Repair Water Damaged Laminate Floors?
If the laminate floor has water damage, here are the steps to follow to repair it:
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Mark the Water Damaged Area
The first step to take is to check the area(s) where the floor is damaged and determines the source. The water may be from a leaking roof, wall, or even a plumbing issue if the damage is near a water plumbing section.
It is crucial to determine the source of the water damage to repair it first to prevent future damages.
How do you do this?
Check the extent of the damage.
Once you identify the source of the water damage and solve it, the next crucial step is to figure out the extent of the damage. The laminate floors are like wood, and when they get saturated by water, the materials absorb water and break the structure. This mainly happens if the water stays stagnated for too long before wiping.
The next step is to mark all the areas that are water damaged to prepare for repair and to guide you in finding out the perfect materials to utilize for repair.
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Remove the Damaged Floors
Laminates are like tiles, and you cannot repair a small section of the damaged area. Therefore, if the water has extended to two or three planks, then you will need to remove all of them for repair.
Remove the damaged laminate floor parts using a sharp tool for safety and to save time. Make sure to remove a plank at a time. Once you have eliminated the top laminate floors, check the base layer to see if the water has extended to the base. If the water has spread to the base floor, then you may need to remove it but if it is still safe, leave it.
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Buy New Laminate Planks
Once you remove the damaged laminate planks and basement, the next step is to get new ones for replacement.
You should consider buying from the same dealer as it is much easier to get the right size and model.
If you opt for another dealer, carry a sample to guide him in finding the right laminate replacement for you at the shop.
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Replace the Laminate Planks
Reinstalling the laminate planks are super comfortable as long, you get the right size, and have the right adhering tools. So, get the new planks and place them to the floor. Make sure the plank does not entirely seal on the spaces to leave space to put the adhesives.
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Put the Adhesive Glue
Once positioning all the planks on the floor, add the adhesive glues on the edges to bind them together. Make sure to add on just enough paste as too much of it may show on the top and too little may not secure them properly.
Leave it to dry for a while before you step on the repaired areas. You can also place a heavy object on the top to strengthen and fasten the adhering.
Important Note to Make:
- If you don’t have an idea of how to replace your water-damaged laminate floor, consider hiring a professional floor technician to do the work for you.
- It may cost you a little more, but it is worth it because the job will be done professionally for durability purposes.
- Pick the right mops for eliminating floors to prevent residual water after cleaning it.
How to Fix A Laminate Floor that is Lifting
The laminate tends to lift during the seasons when the humidity is high as the high humid shrinks or expands the laminate boards causing them to rise. If you are faced with such an issue, here are steps to use to repair the raised laminate floors:
The tools needed
- You will require; a chisel, hammer, extra laminate boards, and multi-tool.
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Examine the Floor
The first step is to examine the stories to determine which plank is raised. You can figure out this process using a straight board. Place it on top of the floor area that is shaky and check the part that is raised more than others, and the wall that the board has extended to.
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Remove the Skirting Board
Once you find the uneven board, the next step is to remove the skirting board using the chisel and the hammer. Removing the skirting board helps you to view the board to determine the part that is lifted.
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Mark the Left Board
Using a pencil and slat, mark the board that is raised, and make sure to use the height and length of the even boards.
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Remove the Part
Once you mark the raised part, remove the extra piece of the laminate using a multi-tool to ensure it is even, and the job is done well. Then clean the area using a vacuum or the cleaning equipment you use to clean the laminate floor. Check if the storey is flat, and then place back the skirting board.
Can I Fix Bubbled Laminate Floors?
The answer to this question is yes! You can quickly fix the problem of the laminate floor bubbling.
What Causes the Laminate Floor to Bubble?
This occurs as a result of one or more laminate planks swelling, and you can fix the problem without even removing the whole board.
All you need is to find the part that has bubbles and remove the wall molding with the bubbles. You can use tools to remove the mold for safety and prevent interfering with the other parts of the floors.
If the bubbling is used by inadequate gaping of the floorboards, place the boards the right, and if the laminate requires replacement, make sure to do so. And you shall care for your laminate floor in the future.
How to Prevent Damages for Laminate Floors?
Laminate floors are quite delicate and prone to constant damage from scratches, dents, bubbling, and even scuff marks. The stories tend to get damaged, especially in areas that are frequented maybe around the living room, balcony, or even in the kitchen.
So, to protect the laminate floors, from such damages, you can use the following tips:
Put some protective pads beneath the furniture legs to protect the floor from scratches in case the chairs are dragged around.
You can opt to raise the furniture when moving it instead of dragging on the floor.
Keep sharp objects lying flat or place them with the sharp edges facing up to safeguard the storey. Regularly check your plumbing parts, and if you notice leakage may be under the sink, repair it before the water floods to the room.
Conclusion
Laminate floors are quite beautiful, and they accentuate the entire rooms you install them. However, these floors are quite fragile and tend to get damaged pretty fast, especially when exposed to wetness, if you place heavy objects, or even when you drag heavy objects around. The above discussed are some of the methods you can use to repair the laminate floors from varying damage sources.
If you are not sure about how to carry out the repair process, consider hiring a technician to do the work for you. Also, use the above protective measures to safeguard your laminate floor from quick wear and damages.
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