How to Stop Laminate Flooring from Buckling: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s durable, affordable, and looks great. However, like any flooring, it can sometimes have problems, like buckling. Buckling, also called warping or lifting, happens when laminate boards push up against each other and lift off the subfloor. In this article, we will look at what causes buckling, how to fix it, and how to prevent it.

Understanding Laminate Flooring Buckling

Causes of Buckling

Buckling in laminate flooring can be caused by a few factors related to moisture and improper installation:

  • Moisture Exposure: Laminate can be damaged by moisture. Spills, high humidity, or moisture from the subfloor can make the boards swell and push against each other.
  • Improper Installation: If the laminate isn’t properly adjusted to the room’s conditions before installation, or if it’s installed too tightly against the walls, it can buckle as it expands and contracts with temperature changes.
  • Lack of Expansion Gaps: Laminate flooring needs space around the edges to expand and contract. If there aren’t enough gaps, the boards can buckle because they have no room to expand.

How to Fix Buckled Laminate Flooring

Addressing the Root Cause

To fix buckled laminate flooring, first find and fix the cause of the buckling:

  • Dealing with Moisture: Find any moisture sources and fix them. This might mean repairing leaks, using a dehumidifier, or replacing damp underlayment.
  • Reinstallation: If the buckling is due to installation mistakes, you might need to lift the affected boards and reinstall them with proper expansion gaps.

Repair or Replace

If the damage is severe, you might need to replace the affected sections of flooring. However, if the damage is small, you might be able to replace just the damaged boards during the laminate flooring installation process.

Preventing Future Buckling

 

Proper Installation Practices

To prevent buckling, make sure laminate flooring is installed correctly:

  • Acclimate the Flooring: Let the laminate boards adjust to the room’s environment for at least 48 hours before installation.
  • Leave Adequate Expansion Gaps: Make sure there are enough gaps around the edges of the room to allow for expansion and contraction. These gaps can be hidden under baseboards or trim.
  • Use the Right Underlayment: Choose an underlayment with a moisture barrier if moisture is a concern in your area or if installing over concrete.

Regular Maintenance

Taking care of your laminate flooring can also help prevent issues:

  • Control Humidity Levels: Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% to stop the boards from expanding or contracting too much.
  • Clean Spills Promptly: Wipe up spills quickly to prevent water from getting into the seams between boards.
  • Use Proper Cleaning Techniques: Avoid using wet mops or steam cleaners, which can add too much moisture. Use a damp cloth or a cleaner made for laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s durable, affordable, and looks great. However, like any flooring, it can sometimes have problems, like buckling. Buckling, also called warping or lifting, happens when laminate boards push up against each other and lift off the subfloor. In this article, we will look at what…

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