How to Repair Swollen Laminate Flooring Without Replacing

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability, easy maintenance, and affordability. However, like any flooring material, laminate flooring is susceptible to swelling and other forms of damage, especially when exposed to excess moisture. Swelling in laminate flooring can be a significant problem, leading to unsightly bulges, warping, and even delamination. 

In this blog post, we will discuss what laminate flooring is, what causes swelling in laminate flooring, and how to inspect and repair swollen laminate flooring. We will also explore prevention measures to help homeowners avoid future damage and prolong the lifespan of their laminate flooring. 

Definition of Laminate Flooring 

Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring product made by fusing several layers of materials together. The top layer of laminate flooring is a wear-resistant, decorative layer made to resemble real wood, stone, or other natural materials. Beneath the decorative layer, there is a core layer made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), 

which provides stability and durability to the flooring. The core layer is then covered with a moisture-resistant backing layer that protects against moisture and other forms of damage. 

Causes of Swelling in Laminate Flooring 

Swelling in laminate flooring is typically caused by exposure to excess moisture. Water can seep into the seams of the flooring, causing the HDF or MDF core to swell and expand. Other causes of swelling in laminate flooring include: 

• Spills and leaks: Accidental spills or leaks can quickly penetrate the surface of the laminate flooring and cause swelling. 

• High humidity: High humidity levels in a room can lead to moisture buildup in the flooring, causing it to swell. 

• Water damage: Floods or leaks in the room can cause water damage to the laminate flooring, leading to swelling. 

Improper installation: If laminate flooring is not installed correctly, it can leave gaps and spaces where water can seep in and cause swelling. 

Inspecting the Damage 

If you notice swelling in your laminate flooring, the first step is to inspect the damage to determine the extent of the problem. Here are some steps to follow when inspecting swollen laminate flooring: 

Assessing the Extent of the Damage 

Take a close look at the affected area of the flooring and determine the extent of the damage. Check for any signs of warping, buckling, or bulging in the flooring, as these are clear indications of swelling. If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the affected planks. 

Identifying Potential Causes of Swelling 

Once you have identified the extent of the damage, it's essential to determine the root cause of the swelling. Look for signs of water damage, such as discoloration, mold growth, or a musty odor. If the swelling is caused by a spill or leak, you will need to locate and fix the source of the problem before attempting any repairs. 

Removing Excess Water and Moisture 

Once you have assessed the damage and identified the cause of the swelling, it's time to remove any excess water and moisture from the affected area. Here are some steps to follow when removing excess water and moisture from swollen laminate flooring: 

Cleaning up Spills Immediately 

If you spill any liquid on your laminate flooring, it's essential to clean it up immediately to prevent water from seeping into the seams of the flooring. Use a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the spill as possible. Avoid using excessive amounts of water spills, as this can cause further damage to the flooring. 

Using a Damp Cloth or Vacuum Cleaner to Remove Water and Moisture 

If the swelling is caused by high humidity or moisture buildup, you can use a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove any excess water or moisture. Be sure to use a cloth that is only slightly damp, as excessive moisture can cause the flooring to swell further. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment to suck up any moisture from the flooring. 

Locating and Fixing any Pipe Leaks or Other Sources of Moisture 

If the swelling is caused by a leak or other source of moisture, it's essential to locate and fix the problem before attempting any repairs. Check for any leaks in pipes, windows, or doors that may be allowing moisture to enter the room. Fix any leaks promptly to prevent further damage to the laminated floors. 

Ensuring Adequate Ventilation in the Room to Prevent Future Damage 

Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing future damage to laminate flooring. Make sure the room is well-ventilated to allow for proper airflow and reduce humidity levels. You can also, use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. 

Repairing Minor Damage without Replacing Planks 

If the swelling is minor and hasn't caused significant damage to the laminate flooring, you may be able to repair the damage without replacing any planks. Here are some steps to follow when repairing minor damage to laminate flooring: 

Filling expansion gaps with wood glue or caulk: Use a small amount of wood glue or caulk to fill any gaps between the laminate flooring planks. This will help prevent moisture from seeping into the seams of the flooring and causing further damage. 

Covering minor scratches with a laminate repair kit: Use a laminate repair kit to cover any minor scratches or scuffs on the surface of the flooring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using a repair kit. 

Sanding down high spots caused by heavy objects: If heavy objects have caused high spots in the flooring, you can sand them down using a fine-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to sand too much, as this can cause further damage to the flooring. 

Cleaning and polishing the laminated surface for a uniform look: Once you have repaired any damage to the flooring, you can clean and polish the surface using a laminate floor cleaner and a microfiber mop. This will help restore the flooring's original appearance and protect it from wear and tear. 

Prevention for Future Swelling 

Preventing swelling in laminate flooring is essential for prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs. Here are some steps you can take to prevent swelling in your laminate flooring: 

Maintaining proper moisture content in the room: Keep humidity levels in the room between 30% and 50% to prevent moisture buildup in the flooring. 

Leaving an expansion gap around the edges of the floor: Leave a small gap between the flooring and the walls to allow for expansion and contraction of the flooring material. 

Making sure heavy objects aren't left on top of the floor too long: Avoid leaving heavy objects on the flooring for an extended period, as this can cause high spots and damage the flooring. 

Regularly clean and polish the laminate surface to protect it from wear and tear: Use a laminate boards floor cleaner and a microfiber mop to clean and polish the surface of the flooring regularly. This will help protect the entire floor from scratches, scuffs, and other forms of wear and tear. 

Conclusion 

Swollen laminate floors can be a significant problem, causing unsightly bulges, warping, and even delamination. However, with the proper inspection, repair, and prevention measures, homeowners can protect their laminate flooring and prolong its lifespan. By cleaning up spills promptly, removing excess water leaks and moisture, and ensuring proper ventilation, homeowners can prevent swelling and other forms of damage to their laminate flooring. With the right care and maintenance laminate flooring can provide a beautiful and durable flooring option for many years to come. 

When dealing with any type of flooring damage, it's important to assess the extent of the damage before attempting any repairs. This will help you determine whether minor repairs can be made or if replacement is necessary. By filling expansion gaps, covering minor scratches, sanding down high spots, and cleaning and polishing the surface of the flooring, homeowners can make minor repairs without replacing any planks. 

Preventing swelling in laminate flooring is also critical for prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs. By maintaining proper moisture content in the room, leaving an expansion gap around the edges of the floor, avoiding leaving heavy objects on top of the floor for too long, and regularly cleaning and polishing the laminate surface, homeowners can protect their flooring and prevent swelling and other forms of damage. 

In conclusion, swelling in laminate flooring can be a significant problem, but with the right care and maintenance, homeowners can protect their flooring and prolong its lifespan. By inspecting the damage, assessing the extent of the damage, identifying potential causes of swelling, removing excess water and moisture, and preventing future swelling, homeowners can enjoy the beauty and durability of their laminate flooring for many years to come. If you are unsure about how to inspect or repair damage to your laminate flooring, it's always best to consult a professional to ensure proper care and maintenance of your flooring.