We have found a puddle of water in the office room of our house for the past week.
Why is there water on laminate floor.
The house is over 100 years old but the office room was an addition that is newer.
Your first thought may be to mop your floor with a generous amount of warm water but laminate flooring will thank you for that by swelling up and buckling.
The problem with laminate floors is that too much water seeps into the cracks between the planks and can cause swelling and damage that is irreversible.
Another reason water seeping through the floors is such a serious issue is if you have a two story home or live in a multi level apartment complex.
When the water reaches under laminate flooring the water must be removed immediately.
Water under laminate flooring.
If you have a homeowners policy on your house you may want to speak with your insurance company.
There are no water spots in the ceiling and no evidence of water when looking in the attic above.
If the flooring is buckled it can create a tripping hazard.
Mopping a wood or laminate floor will not only remove stains but it will also decrease the amount of harmful bacteria that will harm your pets and children.
If not caught very quickly there will be no chance of repairing the hardwood floor.
However if there is a spill and water is allowed to seep into the gaps between the laminate floor planks damage can occur.
The fiberboard core under the decorative finish readily soaks up whatever liquid manages to seep between the floorboards and if you wet mop that could be a lot.
If the water is not pervasive you may be able to extract it with a wet dry vacuum.
When laminate gets saturated by water it absorbs the moisture which in turn breaks down the structure of the flooring.
If a small amount of water has leaked toward the edges of the flooring pull up any quarter round shoe molding or baseboards around the perimeter.
Just like hardwood laminate floors come in a variety of colors and wood look species like pine maple cherry and oak.
If the standing water comes from the floor then you know the water cut through the entire piece of wood.
Unfortunately the same hot water and soap you use to clean the floors may leave behind unsightly water stains especially on hardwood floors.
For most areas of laminate flooring in your home a dry or dust mop may be all that is needed for regular cleaning.
Choose from several finishes from high gloss or embossed to distressed and white washed.
Sticky or dirty sections.
Water damaged laminate flooring has the potential of being dangerous.
This is because the wear layer will protect against water damage but when water enters the floorboard gaps the fiberboard core can get wet causing it to swell.
When water gets below the laminate flooring there is always the possibility of mold developing.
A little water goes a long way on a laminate floor.