Can Laminate Flooring Get Wet?

Despite its beautiful appearance, laminate flooring doesn’t like water. It is why it’s essential to keep an eye on the water on your floor to prevent it from getting damaged.

Laminate flooring can get wet. A small amount of water can cause minimal damage, but a more significant spill can lead to substantial issues. The sides, seams, and bottoms should not be damped.

This article will tackle all things about laminate flooring, including how you can dry it out when got wet accidentally.

Is Laminate Flooring Ruined if It Gets Wet?

It ruins the laminate floors when a lot of water seeps into the bottom. Water damage to laminate flooring occurs when it seeps into the layers. It can cause the boards to swell and break apart, weakening the glue that holds them together.

The backing layer is the layer that covers the floor. It acts as a moisture barrier and helps keep the floor balanced.

In addition, the base or core layer is the main structure of a floor. It comprises a type of wood fiberboard commonly used to make laminated flooring.

Also, the floor’s surface has several layers of clear resin. These layers help protect the surface from scratches and prevent it from getting damaged.

The base layer is most prone to water damage. If it gets ruined, it’s best to replace the entire floor.

What Happens if Water Gets Under Waterproof Laminate Flooring?

When water gets under the surface of laminate flooring, it can cause the boards to swell and develop various defects. These include warped, bent, and protruding panels.

The water can also lead to delamination. As the laminate layers get saturated, they can begin to pull apart. It can cause the whole floor to become irreparably damaged.

Since there isn’t enough airflow under the surface of the laminate, moisture can still get trapped under it. It can direct the growth of mold and mildew.

The water can also damage the other materials under the laminate, such as the padding. It can leave you with a lot of additional issues to address.

Although it’s not always possible to remove the moisture from under the surface of a laminate floor, it can still damage it within a couple of hours. If you want to preserve the underlying materials, you need to act immediately.

How to Dry Laminate Flooring With Water Under It?

If you’re looking to get rid of moisture underneath your laminate flooring, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to do so.

Remove the Water on the Top

If there is water on the outer surface of your laminate flooring, immediately clean it up. It will prevent any more moisture from entering your floorboards.

If there is a lot of liquid on the surface, use a dry towel or cloth to clean it. However, if there is a significant amount of water, don’t push the fabric into it. Doing so could allow more water to seep under the floor.

Instead, place the cloth directly on the spill and let it absorb the water. This method should help minimize the amount of water under your boards.

If the water is deep, then you might need more powerful tools. Having a water pump or wet vacuum can help remove the water. Once all of it is removed, use the cloth method again.

Point Big Fans to Dry

A good dehumidifier can help remove moisture from the air and keep the space dry. It can also help combat mold and other harmful fungi. Aside from helping with the cleanup process, fans can also help improve the air circulation in the space.

Extract the Floorboards

The next step is to remove the hardwood floor. You’ll usually start from the wall and carefully pull up the board one at a time. Once you remove the first row, the rest of the floor should be easy to pick up.

Before removing the boards, make sure that they’re in a separate area from those damaged by the spill or water leak. It will help keep them dry.

Ensure to Dry the Flooring

After clearing all of the water from your floor, you need to dry the boards. You can do this by setting them near a fan or a dehumidifier. Also, make sure that they’re flat.

A loose floorboard can make it unusable, depending on its severity. In some cases, reinstallation will be more difficult, while in other cases, it could cause damage to the other boards. If the bend is severe, it could also harm the other boards.

Clean the Bottom Layer

Most laminate flooring is over an underlayment, which provides the flooring with some padding. You’ll want to clean the surface to remove any water.

You can also clean the underlayment using water and dish soap. This method will help remove grease and other sticky substances. After it has dried, use a cleaning solution to remove mold and mildew.

After removing the surface, it’s essential to inspect the underside of the flooring for moisture. Doing so will help prevent damage and mold.

If the underlayment is damaged, it’s essential to replace it immediately. Aside from protecting the surface, it also provides a more comfortable floor. If it’s not in good condition, it might be time to get a new one.

Spray Disinfection Liquids on Floorboards

After you clean the floor with water, it’s essential to treat it with a solution containing water and dish soap. Then, dry it with a clean towel.

Before you discard the old laminate, inspect it for signs of damage, such as delamination, cupping, and unevenness. It will let you know if the board is too damaged to reuse. You can also separate the pieces in reasonable shape from the badly damaged ones.

After the floor has dried, it’s essential to give it a couple of days to dry before you start working on it.

Put Back the Laminate Flooring

Once the bottom part is in place, it’s time to install the new flooring. Usually, this process is straightforward.

You may want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding re-installing hardwood or other types of flooring. However, most laminates work similarly, so it’s not necessary.

You can quickly put reusable flooring in the same position as its original one, so it doesn’t require cutting. However, if you need to install the new flooring, you may need to trim down the old ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Drying Laminate Flooring Take?

When it comes to knowing how to dry laminate flooring properly, it’s essential to understand it’s time to get it done. After you remove the boards, turn on the fans and dehumidifiers, it’s typically around 12 to 36 hours before you can start to dry.

A variety of factors can affect the size of a room’s air duct. Some of these include the type of materials used, the current temperature, and the degree of saturation.

It’s also crucial to note that if the floor is only sem-damaged, it can take up to two weeks to dry. Doing so should be avoided if there’s water underneath.

Does Water Under Laminate Cause Mold?

Water under laminate can cause mold to form quickly depending on the type of water involved. For instance, if you have a pipe leak, it can take up to 48 hours for mold to form. If you have a flood, it can take up to 12 hours.

Other fluids can also cause mold to form. However, all moisture can contribute to mold growth. If you want to prevent it, you need to address the issue immediately.

How to Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage?

Although you can repair laminate flooring, it’s not always possible if the surface has water damage. Aside from delamination, you can also find other issues such as discoloration and cracks on this type of flooring.

If your floorboard requires repair, the first step is to dry it out. It will allow you to check its condition and determine if you should replace it. Doing so will also let you decide whether it should be reusable.

Conclusion

Laminate flooring can get wet, but when too much moisture seeps into the sides and at the bottom, it will damage the floors.

If you’re attempting to reason out how to remove the water from your laminate flooring, it’s essential to get it out quickly so that it doesn’t get damaged. Doing so can help minimize the risk of mold and prevent costly repairs.