Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fix Buckled Laminate Floor

Have you ever walked on a laminate floor and felt like you were walking on waves?

Or maybe you noticed your furniture is no longer level, and the problem seems to be coming from the ground up.

A buckled laminate floor can be unsightly, dangerous, and a headache to deal with.

But before you start ripping everything apart or calling in an expensive professional, we’ve got some good news for you: repairing a buckled laminate floor might not be as complicated as it seems!

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through how to repair your buckled flooring quickly and easily. So grab your tools and let’s get started!

What Causes Buckling?

There are multiple causes for a laminate floor to get buckled up. Here are they:

• Moisture: When the flooring comes into contact with water or excessive moisture, the boards can swell and cause the floor to buckle. This is often caused by leaks, spills, or high humidity levels in the room.

• Temperature Changes: Large temperature fluctuations can also cause the floor to buckle. For example, if the room is heated during winter and then cooled quickly in summer, the boards may contract and cause the floor to buckle.

• Improper installation: If the flooring isn’t installed properly, it can leave gaps that allow moisture to seep in and cause the planks to buckle.

• Leaking appliances: If there’s a leak from a dishwasher, washing machine, or other appliance, it can damage the flooring and cause buckling.

• High humidity: If the room where the floor is installed has high humidity, it can cause the laminate to buckle.

Preparing for Repairs

If your laminate floor has started to buckle, you’ll need to take some preparatory steps before you can start repairs.

First, you’ll need to assess the extent of the damage. If only a few boards are affected, you may be able to replace them without too much trouble.

However, if the buckling is widespread, you’ll need to take more drastic measures.

Once you’ve determined the scope of the repairs, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials.

If you’re only replacing a few boards, you’ll just need new boards and some adhesive.

If you’re dealing with more extensive damage, you may need to get a new underlayment as well. Once you have everything you need, you can begin repairing your floor.

Steps to Fix Buckled Laminate Floor Step-by-Step

To repair a buckled laminate floor, you’ll need to follow these steps:

i) Quick Fix

• Use a hairdryer or space heater to slowly heat up the area that is buckling.

• This will help expand the boards and make them less likely to buckle in the future. Just be careful not to overheat the area as this could damage the flooring

ii) Hard Fix

1. If the above quick fix doesn’t work then here is a detailed procedure to fix buckled laminate.

2. The first thing you need to do is remove the damaged planks.

3. To do that, first, you need to remove the molding or trim around the edge of the floor. Next, you need to remove any baseboards or quarter-rounds that are attached to the floor.

4. Once those are removed, you will need to score the adhesive that is holding the laminate flooring in place. After the adhesive has been scored, you can begin prying up the laminate flooring.

5. Use the putty knife or other similar tools to cut through the damaged plank at the tongue and groove. Be careful not to damage the surrounding flooring while doing this.

6. Then, use the pry bar to gently remove the plank from the floor. Repeat this process until all of the damaged planks are removed.

7. Once all of the damaged laminate planks have been removed, you will need to inspect the underlayment and subfloor for any damage. If there is any damage, you will need to repair it before proceeding.

8. Then clean up any debris that is left behind.

9. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up all of the dust and debris. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the area where the planks were removed.

10. Now, measure the area so you know what size replacement plank you need.

11. Cut the replacement plank to size and then place it in the empty space. Make sure it is lined up correctly before pressing it down into place.

12. Use a hammer or another tool to secure the replacement plank in place

13. Once all of the new laminate planks are installed, you can replace any moldings or trim that were removed earlier.

14. Once you have installed the new boards, inspect your floor for any leaks or water damage.

15. If you find any, repair them immediately to prevent further damage to your floor.

Maintaining Your Laminate Floors After Repairing

Assuming that your laminate floors have been successfully repaired, it is now time to focus on maintaining them.

Here are some tips on how to keep your laminate floors looking their best:

• Regularly vacuum or sweep your floors to remove dirt and debris.

• When spills happen, wipe them up immediately.

• Place mats at entryways to help reduce the amount of dirt and debris brought into your home.

• Avoid walking on your floors with shoes that have dirt or grit on them.

• Ensure the laminate floor is sealed to avoid seepage of water

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your laminate floors looking like new for years to come!