Laminate flooring is a popular choice among homeowners due to its durability, affordability, and easy installation. However, over time, one common problem that can arise is lifting. This not only affects the aesthetics of your floors but also poses a tripping hazard.
Quick Tip 👇
To fix lifting floors, the process involves a few careful steps. First, identify the sections that are lifted. Often, this issue is caused by moisture or uneven subfloors. Once identified, use a floor repair kit to reattach the affected pieces securely. It’s essential to address any underlying issues like moisture control or leveling the subfloor to ensure the flooring material continues to look great and stay safe.
Why Is My Laminate Floor Lifting?
Lifting in laminate flooring can stem from excess moisture or an uneven foundation. Identifying the cause is key to resolving this issue. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; target specific areas where weaknesses arise. Reducing room humidity or leveling the subfloor can ensure the problem doesn’t recur. Here are the primary reasons why your laminate floor might be lifting.
1. Underlying Moisture Problem
When tackling lifting in laminate flooring, it’s often due to moisture from the subfloor, particularly with a concrete slab. Ensure the subfloor is dry and flat before installing any new laminate. Using a dehumidifier helps keep the area free from additional moisture, thereby protecting your floor and preventing future problems. A solid floor underlayment is also crucial for reducing noise and guarding against damp conditions.
2. Improper Installation
When laminate flooring is laid down, it’s crucial that the interlocking pieces are installed precisely. If the planks are too tight against the wall, or if they are not connected correctly, gaps may form and the flooring can become uneven, leading to warping and buckling. Ensuring the laminate is adequately acclimated is another key aspect often overlooked. Indoor humidity and temperature changes can affect the laminate’s internal structure, causing it to shrink or grow. So, it’s essential to determine whether laminate flooring needs to acclimate before installation, allowing it to adjust to the room’s conditions for a stable and attractive final look.
3. Uneven Subfloor
If your laminate floor is lifting or bouncing, it’s often due to an uneven subfloor beneath the concrete slab. This issue can create visible gaps and movement. To fix this, start by ensuring the surface of your concrete slabs is perfectly level. A practiced contractor can apply a self-leveling compound to balance the subfloor and stabilize your flooring. From personal experience, addressing the subfloor first ensures a smoother, more durable laminate floor installation.
4. No Expansion Gaps
When installing laminate flooring, it’s imperative to leave a tiny bit of extra space around the edges. This allows the laminate pieces to expand and contract as humidity fluctuates. Without these narrow gaps, especially when the seasons change, you may notice lifting and swelling of the sections. I learned this the hard way during my early days as a floor installer—a skipped space can lead to significant issues down the line.
5. Heavy Furniture
Placing heavy furniture on laminate flooring without proper protection can put stress on the locking systems. This often leads to the laminate flooring lifting. To prevent this, always use protective pads under furniture legs.
HOW TO FIX LIFTING LAMINATE FLOORING
Follow this step-by-step guide to effectively fix your lifting laminate flooring and restore the beauty and functionality of your floors.
Step 1: Identifying the Cause
When your laminate flooring starts lifting, it’s crucial to identify the root cause. Common reasons may include water damage, improper installation, or changes in humidity. Understanding these triggers allows you to take appropriate measures to prevent future issues. From personal experience, tackling the cause early on provides a more effective solution.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
To fix lifting laminate flooring, you’ll need a variety of tools. If damage is severe, replacement planks may be required. For reattaching loose sections, wood glue and heavy objects to weigh down the glued areas while drying are essential. Don’t forget a utility knife to cut protruding edges, a hammer, and a tapping block to gently push planks back into place. For sealing gaps, especially if water damage is the culprit, caulk or sealant is essential.
Step 3: Assess the Damage
Begin by identifying the extent of the damage. If only a small section is affected, you might fix it by replacing a few planks. However, for larger areas or more severe damage, a complete replacement may be necessary.
Step 4: Remove Baseboards
Carefully remove the baseboards in the affected area to gain better access to the edges of the laminate. This step is crucial for properly assessing and addressing the lifting issue.
Step 5: Lift the Damaged Planks
Carefully use a putty knife or another thin, flat tool to lift the damaged laminate planks. Take care to avoid harming the adjacent planks during this step.
Step 6: Inspect the Subfloor
Once the damaged planks are removed, thoroughly check the subfloor for signs of moisture or underlying damage. Ensure the area is dry before proceeding to prevent future problems. This step is crucial in addressing the issue at its core.
Step 7: Replace Damaged Planks
After ensuring the subfloor is dry, carefully remove any planks that are beyond repair. Replace these with new pieces, making sure to cut the laminate to fit perfectly at the seams. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when installing new planks to maintain integrity and appearance.
Step 8: Reattach Loose Planks
To reattach loose planks, apply a small amount of wood glue along the edges, then gently press them back into place. Use a tapping block and hammer to ensure they fit snug. Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth immediately to keep the area clean.
Step 9: Weigh Down the Repaired Section
After gluing, place heavy objects like books or furniture on top of the repaired section. This is recommended to ensure the glue dries and the planks bond securely. Allow sufficient drying time for the best results.
Step 10: Seal Gaps (If Necessary)
Fill any gaps at the edges of the laminate with caulk or a suitable sealant to prevent future moisture-related issues. This step is vital if water damage has been a culprit in the past.
Conclusion
When dealing with lifting laminate flooring, it’s essential to identify the cause with precision and take decisive measures to correct the issue. This often includes adjusting expansion gaps, levelling the subfloor, and replacing any damaged planks. By maintaining an attention to detail and implementing these steps carefully, you can ensure that your flooring remains both beautiful and functional for years to come.