Homeowners frequently choose laminate flooring because of its inexpensive cost, simplicity of installation, and attractive appearance. But even this sturdy material can have problems; swelling is one of the most frequent ones. Many people wonder what went wrong when they see swollen laminate that degrades the appearance of a room and compromises the functionality of the floor.
Laminate usually swells as a result of exposure to moisture. Unnoticed leaks, excessive humidity, and spills can all cause this. Water, even tiny drops, can cause the laminate to expand and absorb moisture, buckling and warping the material in an ugly way.
When dealing with swollen laminate, it’s critical to locate the moisture source and take immediate action. Ignoring the issue may result in more serious harm and possibly expensive repairs. You can then concentrate on fixing or replacing the damaged floor sections after the moisture problem has been rectified.
Apart from addressing the current issue, contemplate taking preemptive actions to avert subsequent problems. Maintaining indoor humidity levels, employing moisture barriers, and performing proper installation can all help prevent your laminate flooring from swelling. You can make sure your floors stay in excellent condition for many years to come by following these steps.
| Problem | Solution |
| Poor installation | Hire a professional to reinstall the laminate correctly |
| Water damage | Remove and replace damaged boards, fix any leaks |
| Lack of expansion gap | Trim the edges to create a proper expansion gap |
| High humidity | Use a dehumidifier to control indoor moisture levels |
| Subfloor issues | Repair or replace the subfloor before re-installing laminate |
- Why the laminate swelled: let"s look at the reasons
- What to do if the laminate is swollen from water
- Video on the topic
- LAMINATE FLOODED WHAT TO DO ?
- THE LAMINATE IS SWALLOWED? How to fix? Eliminating bulging laminate flooring!
- Laminate! Replacing laminate boards without disassembling!
- Why is the laminate swollen and swollen and how to fix it, what to do. Mold under baseboards
- Laminate Blistering Corrections
- The laminate is swollen, what should I do?? Technological repair in a couple of minutes..
- What to do if the laminate is swollen. Ether 04.12.2025
Why the laminate swelled: let"s look at the reasons
Some people believe that a swollen laminate cannot be fixed; instead, it needs to be taken apart and replaced if the swollen areas are near the joints. This is typically the case. However, before we discuss how to remedy this, let’s examine the potential causes of laminate flooring swelling. Bloating can be caused by two things.
From a high temperature and humidity. It is hard to argue against the established fact that laminate flooring in the kitchen and bathroom ages more quickly than in other rooms. And all because there are noticeable and frequent variations in humidity and temperature in these rooms. When exposed to these conditions, wood material swells and this swelling cannot be reversed. Long-term exposure to water that has spilled on the floor, which seeps into the spaces between the slats and causes them to swell, is another factor feeding the fire. To be fair, it should be mentioned that liquids that are quickly wiped up off the floor won’t damage the flooring.
Due to incorrect installation work. There is only one reason – there is no expansion joint. If a person is encountering the installation of laminate flooring for the first time and wants to do it with his own hands, he can lay the coating jointly with the walls without leaving a gap. And we know that, due to various factors, the material tends to either expand or return to its original state. And in the absence of an expansion joint during the period of expansion, the material simply has nowhere to go except to swell. This swelling, compared to the previous one, is temporary – when the laminate returns to its previous state, it levels out.
- So, to summarize, the first bloat is much worse than the second. If the laminate gets wet and swollen, then there is practically no chance of seeing a smooth monolithic base. When the moisture leaves, the bumps may become smaller, but the deformation at the joints will remain. What"s next? Since these tubercles are located above the main level of the covering, they will constantly become an obstacle in the path of feet scurrying back and forth, and even in slippers. Gradually, the top decorative coating will wear off, exposing the lower layers of the laminate.
We now know the answer to the question "Who is to blame?," so it’s time to think about the next step. The course of action for bloating will vary depending on its cause.
Laminate flooring typically swells as a result of moisture exposure or poor installation, and prompt resolution of this problem is essential to halt additional damage. The first step is to determine the cause, which could be a leak, excessive humidity, or installation gaps. Your floors can be restored and protected with the help of solutions like moisture barrier application, better ventilation, or replacing the damaged planks once the source of moisture is eliminated. In order to maintain gorgeous laminate flooring, you can save time, money, and frustration by being aware of the typical culprits and workable solutions.
What to do if the laminate is swollen from water
Since this is the most typical cause of bloating, we will examine it thoroughly.
- First of all, spilled water needs to be quickly cleaned up: soak with rags, sponges, a mop – any method will do. The main thing is to do it quickly. Locally spilled water can be quickly cleaned up. Another thing is a significant area of “damage”. If water has flooded the entire floor, then in this case there is a 90% chance that the laminate will have to be thrown away. Experts advise, after eliminating the water, to disassemble the laminate, remove and even replace the backing, dry the lamellas and perhaps it will be possible to save several strips. But often after such massive damage the laminate will still have to be changed.
- To do this, you need to take one strip and go to the store to purchase exactly the same laminate in color. If you know the batch number, then it’s even easier to do this, and you don’t have to take the damaged lamella to the store. But there is one more subtlety that you need to know. All manufacturers change their product line with enviable regularity – the design, shade, etc. change. And if you purchased laminate three years ago, then the chances of finding exactly the same one are now close to zero. What to do in this case? Three options.
- Buy new laminate for the whole room. Yes, you will have to spend money, but this option is the best.
- The second option is to count the number of damaged panels and purchase the same number of new ones. The laminate will have to be completely removed and reassembled, but in a different order. “Old” slats of the same color should be placed in a visible place, and in those places where the floor covering is not particularly visible, you can put a brand new laminate just purchased.
There’s an additional choice. It is the least expensive. Not only do you not need to travel, but you also do not need to spend money on laminate purchases. This method is identical to the second one; the only distinction is that we use old slats with swollen edges instead of new ones when laying them in difficult-to-see areas, like underneath cabinets or refrigerators. And we replaced the damaged ones with those that were in these areas, where they are most likely better preserved.
Frequently asked questions include: can the laminate be fixed without disassembling if it has swollen? It’s likely that you already guessed that this won’t happen. And even in the event of disassembly or not.
Although handling swollen laminate can be difficult, it can be made simpler by being aware of the causes and remedies. Moisture from leaks, spills, or high humidity is usually the main offender. It is possible to avoid this problem by making sure your laminate is fitted correctly and has sufficient expansion gaps. Important additional measures include timely removal of any surface water and routine maintenance.
If the laminate has already swollen, find the source of the moisture and fix it first. Next, evaluate the harm. Replacing the damaged planks is often the best course of action. The damaged boards can be taken out and replaced, making sure the new ones blend in perfectly with the old flooring. In these kinds of circumstances, having a few extra planks from the initial installation can come in very handy.
Use moisture barriers to avert future problems, particularly in damp areas such as bathrooms or basements. Using dehumidifiers and keeping indoor humidity levels constant can also help preserve the integrity of your flooring. You can prolong the beauty and usefulness of your laminate flooring for many years by following these instructions.
