How to Fix a Laminate Floor That Got Wet in a Flood

Laminate flooring is one of the easiest ways to remodel a home. While laminate planks are resilient to occasional spills and daily wear, enough water will eventually ruin your flooring. We look at how to fix a laminate floor that got wet in a flood or leak. We explain how to fix water damaged laminate flooring, including dry methods and preventing mold.

How Do You Fix Water Damaged Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring planks are an extremely durable and cost-effective flooring material. While there is a risk of swelling and warping, you can fix water-damaged laminate flooring in most cases. The key to saving your flooring is to begin cleanup quickly and dry boards thoroughly. The longer you wait to start cleanup, the more likely the water will ruin your entire floor.

How Does Water Damage Laminate Flooring?

Water damages laminate planks by soaking into the layers. Once inside the boards, it causes them to swell and warp. It also weakens the glue that holds them together and they can eventually fall apart. Pieces of laminate flooring typically have four different layers:

• Backing Layer – The backing layer is the bottom-most layer that touches the floor. It acts as a  barrier against moisture damage and helps balance the board on the floor below.
• Base or Core Layer – The base or core layer is on top of the backing. This forms the main structure of each board. It’s usually made of a composite wood material called high-density fiberboard.
• Design or Image Layer – Next is the design layer, which gives the floorboard its pattern or design. An image is printed on a thin paper or resin layer and glued to the base layer.
• Wear Layer – Finally, each plank is coated in several layers of clear resin. This helps protect the board against scratches and everyday wear. It also blocks water and prevents moisture damage.

The base layer is most susceptible to water damage. Once the base layer is ruined, replacing the planks is the only option. Thankfully, laminate floor repairs are easy as long as you have extra planks. If you don’t have replacement planks, you may need to replace the whole floor.

Can You Save Water Damaged Laminate Flooring?

When it comes to whether you can save water damaged laminate flooring, there are three things to consider:

• Amount of Water – The more water you have, the less likely you can save your flooring.
• Amount of Time – The longer laminate floors are wet, the lower the chance that you can save them.
• Source of the Water – You can normally save laminate damaged by clean water from a burst pipe or water tank flood. However, sewage backups or groundwater flooding contain mold and bacteria that pose additional risks.

While floods and leaks are the biggest concern, excess moisture can cause damage to laminate flooring. Monitor your indoor humidity and address condensation issues as soon as possible. If your laminate boards are in water-prone areas like kitchens and baths, watch out for liquid spills and puddles that can soak into the planks.

How Do You Fix Water Damaged Laminate Flooring?

The following steps explain how to fix laminate floor water damage after a flood or a major leak. If you only spilled water on your laminate floor, you can just wipe it up with a towel. If you have more significant damage, you will need more comprehensive repairs. Follow these steps for laminate floor repairs:

1. Remove Standing Water – If your laminate floor is still covered with water, you need to remove that first. Use a mop or towels to soak it up for less than an inch of water and a pump or a wet-dry vacuum for larger amounts of water.
2. Remove the Flooring – Next, you need to remove all of the floorboards. Pry up the trim with a putty knife, then carefully remove each board. This will make it much easier to dry your laminate flooring.
3. Dry Each Floorboard – Then dry the flooring with high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. While you should lift each board up to speed drying, make sure you keep them flat. Otherwise, they can bend or warp which makes reinstalling them more difficult.
4. Dry and Clean the Subflooring – While the laminate boards are drying, remove any remaining water from the subflooring. Use towels to soak up excess water and air movers to thoroughly dry the area. If necessary, clean the subfloor with soap and warm water. Then disinfect with bleach and water to prevent odors and mold.
5. Clean and Disinfect the Floorboards – Once the boards are completely dry, wash them with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean towel before disinfecting them with bleach and water. This will kill mold and help prevent odors. Let them air dry before reinstalling.
6. Reinstall Your Floorboards – Next, reinstall your laminate flooring. Depending on the amount of damage, it may be necessary to replace some boards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wet Laminate Flooring

Here are some of the most common questions we get about how to fix water damaged laminate flooring. If you still have questions or need help cleaning up the damage, give our restoration specialists a call now.

How Long Does It Take to Dry Laminate Flooring?

As long as you remove the flooring and use high-volume fans and dehumidifiers, it should only take 12 to 36 hours to dry laminate flooring. The exact amount of time depends on how many floorboards and equipment you use.

However, drying laminate floors using regular house fans could take several days to a week. Also, you should never dry wet laminate flooring in place as this could take weeks.

When Should Laminate Flooring Be Replaced After Water Damage?

You should always replace wet laminate flooring after a sewage backup due to the risk of mold and bacteria. The same is true if you cannot start cleaning up right away after a flood. Also, you may need to replace some swollen or warped boards as well.

Will Wet Laminate Dry Out on Its Own?

Although wet laminate flooring will eventually dry out, it can take weeks to do so on its own. Not only does this increase the risk of mold, but it’s also likely the floor will start to fall apart too.

How Long Does It Take for Mold to Grow Under Wet Laminate?

It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow under wet laminate flooring. However, it could take as little as 12 to 24 hours after a sewage backup or groundwater flooding. Also, the longer you wait to begin cleanup, the greater the chances you will have mold.

How Do You Get Moisture out of Laminate Flooring?

The best way to get rid of moisture in laminate flooring is to remove the boards and lay them flat to dry. Position high-volume fans and dehumidifiers for the fastest drying time. Avoid using heat, as this can shrink or warp the boards.

Is there too much water for your to clean up? Do you have buckled floors or warped laminate boards? Our restoration experts can help dry and repair damage to laminate floors fast! Call 1-855-493-7263 for a free quote on water damage cleanup and repair.