Laminate flooring is a popular choice for American homes, and it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable, durable, and looks great. Nearly 30% of U.S. homes have laminate wood flooring.
Laminate has one notable weakness, however. It doesn’t mix well with water. Even a small leak or spill that sits on laminate flooring for too long can cause planks to swell and buckle. While you may be able to repair minor laminate floor water damage if you catch it early, more extensive damage usually means it’s time for a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Laminate floor water damage shows up in several ways, such as swollen planks, buckling, warping, and visible mold or mildew.
- If you catch minor damage early, you may be able to repair it. Let it go too long, and you’ll likely need a full or partial replacement.
- Stop the water source quickly and dry the area thoroughly. Those two steps matter most after any water event.
- DIY repairs work for small, isolated areas, but for anything beyond surface-level fixes, calls for a professional.
- SERVPRO water damage restoration professionals are available 24/7 to assess the damage and get your floors back to normal.
Signs of Water Damage on Laminate Flooring
The sooner you spot water damage on your laminate flooring, the better your chances of saving the floor rather than replacing it.
The most common warning signs:
- Swelling or buckling planks that push up at the edges or seams
- Warping or cupping where planks curve up or down
- Soft or spongy spots underfoot that feel different when you walk on them
- Staining or discoloration on the surface of the planks
- Visible mold or mildew along seams or edges
- Musty odors coming from the floor area
Can Water Damaged Laminate Flooring Be Repaired?
Laminate is less forgiving than hardwood when it comes to moisture. You can sometimes dry, sand, and refinish hardwood after a moisture event. That’s not true of laminate.
Once the core of a laminate plank absorbs water, it tends to swell and break down. That means the bar for replacing laminate is lower than with other flooring types. That said, not every case of laminate floor water damage is a lost cause.
When Laminate Flooring Can Be Repaired
Repair is possible when the water damage to your laminate is minor—and you catch it early. Look for these conditions:
- The water exposure was brief, not prolonged
- Only a few planks show swelling or discoloration
- The subfloor beneath is dry and undamaged
- There’s no mold or mildew
In these cases, you may be able to remove and replace the affected planks, especially if you have matching planks left over from the original installation.
When Laminate Flooring Needs to Be Replaced
Sometimes the damage to your laminate flooring goes beyond what you can reasonably repair. If the water had time to soak in deep, it’s probably best (and more cost-effective) to simply replace your flooring.
Signs that point in that direction:
- Water sat on or under the floor for an extended period
- Multiple planks or large sections show warping or buckling
- The subfloor has absorbed moisture or shows signs of damage
- Mold or mildew is present under the flooring
- The planks feel soft, spongy, or unstable under your feet
When in doubt, request a professional assessment to take the guesswork out of your decision.
How to Repair Water Damaged Laminate Flooring
Tackling laminate floor water damage the right way comes down to one thing: Sequence. Many homeowners jump straight to replacing planks without fully drying the area first. That’s a big mistake. Trapped moisture under laminate flooring can lead to mold growth.
Follow these steps for the best outcome:
Step 1: Stop the Water Source
Before anything else, find and stop the source of the water. Whether it’s a leaking appliance, a burst pipe, or a slow drip, you can’t move forward with the repair process until the moisture stops.
Step 2: Remove Standing Water
Soak up or extract any standing water on the surface as quickly as possible. The less time water sits on your laminate, the better your chances of saving the floor.
Step 3: Pull Up Affected Planks
Carefully remove the damaged planks to get a good look at what’s going on underneath. Water under laminate flooring often causes more damage to the subfloor than what’s visible on the surface.
Step 4: Dry Everything Thoroughly
This is the most important step. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and good ventilation to completely dry both the subfloor and the surrounding planks. Rushing this step traps moisture and guarantees future problems.
Step 5: Assess and Replace
Once everything is fully dry, assess which planks need replacing. Install new planks and make sure the floor’s properly sealed at the edges to keep out moisture going forward.
When to Call SERVPRO
Some cases of laminate floor water damage are simply too much for a DIY fix. Calling a professional restoration service like SERVPRO is the smarter move when:
- Water has been sitting on the floor for more than a few hours
- Damage has spread across multiple rooms
- The subfloor feels soft or shows signs of moisture
- Mold or mildew appears anywhere near the affected area
- The source of the leak is hidden inside a wall or behind an appliance
A water damage restoration team will bring professional-grade equipment to the job, like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to detect water you can’t see with the naked eye. That matters because hidden moisture is what leads to mold growth and structural damage down the road.
Pros will also completely dry the area before installing your new flooring. That will give your repairs a lasting foundation.
How to Prevent Water Damage on Laminate Flooring
Dealing with laminate flooring and water damage once is enough. The repair process can be stressful, disruptive, and costly. You probably don’t want to go through that again!
A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your floors protected from water damage:
- Wipe up spills immediately and never let liquid sit on your floor’s surface.
- Use waterproof mats or rugs in high-risk areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
- Check your appliances regularly for slow leaks, especially dishwashers, fridges, and washing machines.
- Keep humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50% to lower the amount of moisture in the air.
- Seal the edges and the seams of your laminate flooring to block moisture from sneaking underneath.
- Inspect the plumbing under your sinks periodically for drips or soft spots in the cabinet floor.
Take a look at SERVPRO’s water damage resources for more tips to protect your home.
Restore Your Floors with SERVPRO
You can sometimes repair minor laminate floor water damage, but the real key to a lasting fix is finding the water source and drying your floor completely. That’s where SERVPRO can play a role.
Our professionals use advanced equipment to find hidden moisture and dry your home thoroughly. If water has hit your floors and you need help, find your local SERVPRO today.
FAQs
Can Water Damage Laminate Flooring?
Yes. Laminate flooring is especially vulnerable to moisture. Even a small spill that sits too long can cause planks to swell, warp, or buckle. Unlike hardwood, you can’t sand or refinish laminate, so water damage often requires a full or partial replacement.
Can Water Damaged Laminate Flooring Be Repaired?
Sometimes. If you catch minor water damage early, you may be able to replace individual planks. However, if water soaked the subfloor, mold is present, or the damage spans a large area, replacement is usually the right call. A professional assessment can give you a clearer answer.
How Do You Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage?
Stop the water source, remove standing water, and pull up the affected planks. Dry the subfloor completely before installing replacements. If you skip the drying step, it could trap moisture and lead to mold. For anything beyond a small area of damage, call a professional restoration service.