What Happens to Laminate Flooring After Water Exposure?

Water first seeps into the tiny gaps along the edges and locking mechanisms of laminate planks. The moisture is quickly absorbed by the high-density fiberboard core, which begins to swell. This swelling causes the planks to push against each other, leading to visible buckling or lifting at the seams. You might hear creaking sounds or feel soft spots underfoot as the material weakens.

Surface water may initially bead up, but prolonged exposure allows it to penetrate. The decorative photographic layer on top can start to bubble or peel away from the swollen core. Discoloration or dark water stains often appear along the edges. The floor's locking system fails, making individual planks separate or rise, creating a tripping hazard and an uneven surface.

Your first move is to stop the water source, like shutting off the supply line to a broken appliance. Move furniture and rugs off the wet area to prevent further damage and allow air circulation. If it is safe to do so, you can start removing standing water with a wet-dry vacuum or towels. Acting quickly can limit the spread and severity of the damage.

Ventilate the room by opening windows and using fans, but know that this alone often cannot dry the core. Avoid using heat guns or high heat directly on the laminate, as this can cause more warping. Do not walk on the swollen floor more than necessary. Document the damage with photos for your records, as this helps with any potential insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

• Stop the water source immediately.
• Remove furniture and porous items from the area.
• Extract standing water if you can do so safely.
• Increase air circulation with fans and open windows.
• Take clear photographs of all damage.
• Contact your insurance provider to report the incident.

Minor, localized water exposure on the surface might be dried with no lasting damage. However, once the core swells, repair is rarely an option. You cannot sand or refinish laminate like hardwood. Often, the only solution is to remove and replace the affected planks, which requires matching the existing floor's style and locking system, a task that can be challenging with discontinued products.

Replacement typically involves removing the damaged planks, inspecting and drying the subfloor thoroughly, and installing new flooring. If the water damage is widespread, you may need to replace the entire room's floor for a uniform look. The cost for this depends on the square footage, the laminate quality, and the extent of subfloor repair needed. Getting multiple opinions from local water damage pros is a good practice.