How to Repair Swollen Laminate Flooring without Replacing

Home Repair / By

Laminate is one of the most durable flooring options out there that gives the feel of natural wood surface. But its ability to withstand high traffic is surprising, which makes it the most sought-after base option to homeowners.

The only lack of this is- it can’t tolerate water or resist high-moisture that causes swell.

If you have the laminate floor and face this issue, understand it is responsible for the water damage or high-moisture content.

You can effortlessly get rid of this problem by replacing the bubbling-up plank. But it costs a few bucks to buy new planks. So, how to replace swollen laminate flooring without replacing it? Or, is there any way to fix the floor swelling without changing it?

Fortunately, yes.

Today, we will break down every step to repair the bubble-up flooring without any replacement.

Also, we let you know the precautions to prevent your laminate floor from swelling.

How to Repair Swollen Laminate Flooring without Replacing

What causes the laminate floor to bubble-up?

For the following reasons, your laminate floor may swell, bubble up, and buckling (in worst cases).

Moisture Problem

High-moisture or humidity level is the first & foremost reason behind bubbling up the laminate surface. If there are any leaky pipes under the floor or have a bad moisture barrier, the laminate can’t resist moisture. In return, it starts swelling over time.

Even small spills of water can cause this issue as the laminate base can’t withstand water. 

Delamination

Delamination is another fact that may also be a reason to swell up the floor. If you can’t install the laminate planks correctly or damage occurs while installing, it will puff the laminate base.

There is no gap between each plank

The laminate plank will expand over time due to the temperature change. If the installer doesn’t leave any gap, the planks start lifting. In return, your laminate base begins to bubble up. Therefore, the floor will swell if you attach the molding tightly.

Lack or no expansion joints

Installing the laminate floor in a large area requires a gap between the joining section. Extra-large area installation may trap the air under the laminate planks, which will be a reason to swell up the surface.

On top of that, poo installation of the plank will be another fact behind bubbling up the laminate base. Don’t interfere with the venting system of the floor or install the moisture barrier poorly. Otherwise, the surface starts bubbling up over time. 

How to repair swollen laminate flooring without replacing it? 

Now, you know every possible reason behind swelling your laminate floor. It’s time to learn how to fix laminate floor bubbles.

Firstly, you can try out the X-acto knife on the bubbling spot to fix the issue. If it doesn’t bring any satisfactory result, use epoxy laminate repair kits to repair the swelling surface.

Secondly, roller up the swell floor is another effective way to smooth the laminate surface. You can rent a 100lb roller from your local renting hardware store. It will be your best trait to soften the lift-up spot.

Thirdly, drying the damaged area with a heater or hair drier may resolve the bubbling up surface. Keep in mind; it will work the best if a low-level moisture trap and the base doesn’t swell. Otherwise, you must replace the damaged plank.

And finally, you can try out the popping method to fix laminate floor bubbles. 

Precautions you need to take to prevent your floor from swelling or bubbling

Perhaps, you know this phrase- “Prevent is better than cure.” It also goes true when it comes to stop bubbling up your laminate floors. Always try to maintain the following tips & tricks to prevent your surface from swelling.

  • Make sure you don’t allow water on your laminate surface for a long time. Remove the water immediately. 
  • Mop the wet area as soon as water spills on the floor. 
  • Avoid wet mop your laminate flooring as it can’t tolerate water well. 
  • Ensure the humidity level of your room always remains 35-65 percent. You can use a dehumidifier to maintain this level. 
  • Keep quarter or a half-inch space as expansion and contraction because the laminate surface starts expanding over time. 
  • Use a moisture barrier to stop the floor from buckling or withstand moisture.
  • You can run the air conditioner in summer to keep the humidity level down.
  • Try out only the recommended cleaning products to clean the laminate floor.
  • Always take suggestions from a flooring expert when flooring problems appear. 

What’s Next: Does Laminate Flooring Need to Acclimate

FAQs

Will swollen laminate shrink?

Yes, the swollen laminate will shrink temporarily. When you use the laminate, the joints will swell for sure. But after a few weeks, it will be in its natural texture automatically. Most people try to give extra heat here to deal with the swelling. However, it is never recommended and might shrink it more. Such shrinkage is not repairable at all.

Will laminate floor swelling go down?

Laminate flooring absorbs moisture quicker than other materials. This can often create shrinkage. However, such shrinkage will go down automatically. Using any extra heat, using a hairdryer here is never a good idea. Such shrinkage is often normal and goes down after a certain time.

Can you fix swollen laminate flooring?

Laminate is a sign of reality as well as sensitivity to a few facts. If your laminate flooring has swelled a lot, the best fix would be disassembling it and installing new ones. If there is minor swelling, find out the swelling reason and prevent it. For better protection, consult professionals before any repairable damage appears. 

How do you fix a bulge in laminate flooring?

The fixing bulge from your laminate flooring means you’ve to get rid of the extra moisture. That will also stop and protect your flooring from swelling too much. You better disassemble the water-damaged laminate planks to protect the entire flooring. Else it can create irreparable damages further.

Can water-damaged laminate flooring be repaired?

In most cases, water-fed laminate flooring is not repairable. If there is minor water damage, you might cover it or prevent further damages to the flooring. However, if the flooring is damaged, try to remove that and install a new one.

Can you fix swollen laminate flooring?

To fix swollen laminate surface, first off, inspect and spot out the damaged plank. Disassemble the plank, remove it, and set the new boards to solve the issue for the long term.

What happens if water gets under laminate flooring?

A laminate floor can’t resist water. So, if water gets under it, it starts damaging the plank, and bubbling will appear.

How do you get water stains out of laminate flooring?

Trying out vinegar and water, you can remove the stain from the laminate surface.

Does vinegar ruin laminate floors?

Vinegar is completely safe and it doesn’t bring any damage to your laminate surface.

Can you replace individual laminate floorboards?

Yes, you can. To do this, disassemble the flooring and remove the affected plank; replace it. Or you can’t cut the damaged plank and glued it to fix the issue.

Conclusion

So, how to repair swollen laminate flooring without replacing it?

Rent a roller from a renting hardware store and roll up the bubble-up spot to fix the issue.

Using an epoxy laminate repair kit is another effective way to fix the swelling from the surface. Remember, if your laminate flooring gets swell, you must replace it.

Removing the excess water under the plank and using a wet-vac may also resolve the issue.

We recommend you maintain the precaution tips so that you don’t need to face the same issue again.

Now, it’s your turn.

Has your laminate floor ever bubbled up? If yes, what’s the reason behind it, and how can you alleviate this issue? Leave a comment below to let us know.

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