Advertisement
So, you want to know how to repair laminate flooring quickly?
Let’s dive in.
Laminate flooring is the first choice of many people. It proved to be one of the strongest and very durable flooring options. It is also not too expensive, very decorative. It comes in many colors and patterns so it can fit any room decore one imagines. The laminate floor is very resistant to impacts, and it can last long. It is recommended as a flooring option for spaces with a large circulation of people – private home, office, gym…
Yet, even laminate has its limits. In time, the laminate floor can, as any other material, wear off. As time passes, you will notice some scratches here and there, tiny imperfections. This might happen faster in high-humid areas or if there is exposure to high temperatures.
The good news is you can easily solve all these problems without having to be a professional. Whether it has water or heat made the damage or some boards have been lifted – there are ways to repair it by yourself.
Scratched laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is great for crowded public places. Places such as a local firm, gym, children’s daycare. One of the main characteristics of the laminate floor is its high durability.
Yet, it can still get damaged. If you, for example, move your furniture to clean, and you don’t have protective pads. Or if you drop a plate and it hits the floor with a sharp edge.
Accidents happen. After some time, the laminate floor will look worn and ugly. Luckily, there are ways to deal with this and make laminate look as good as new.
- If you’re dealing with minor scratches, this can be solved with a simple use of markers, wax pencils, crayons. Of course, in a matching shade of color. Spread the color over the scratch and use a piece of soft cloth to blend the color. You can buy a repair kit, made excatly for dealing with these kinds of damages.
- But if you have to deal with deeper scratches, use the repair putty. You can buy this from the same manufacturer as the one you bought floors from. Or at a home improvement store. You will get a repair kit containing a pre-colored mix or a putty and a putty knife.
Use the putty knife to spread the mixture all over the damaged spot and to fill in all the gaps. When you’re done, wipe the excessive putty and dust. Get some fine-grit sandpaper, in case you may need to sand the area. Wipe the area again.
In the next phase, you’ll need varnish. Many repair kits have it included. Be sure to open the window and wear a mask so you don’t breathe in the varnish fumes. Apply the varnish using a small brush over the treated area. Use sandpaper for the finishing touch after the varnish dries.
Sometimes neither putty nor wax can fix the damage. If the scratches are too deep, it is best you replace the damaged laminate planks.
Water damaged laminate flooring
One of the great characteristics of laminate floors is it is water-resistant. This makes it a good flooring choice for the bathroom and kitchen too. But again, there are certain limits as it isn’t waterproof.
Spilling a small amount of any kind of liquid is not a problem, just wipe it right away. But, in case of a flood and if the floor sunk in water for a longer period, laminate boards can puff up and break. There is no other way to fix this except to replace the damaged planks.
- Inspect the floor to find the damaged plank nearest to the wall.
- Use the putty knife to remove the molding. It will make it easier to reach the damaged area.
- Pry up the planks, one by one, starting from the wall to reach the damaged ones. Replace them with the new planks. Remove the tongue of one plank from the groove of the next one. This will unlock the laminate planks connected to the damaged ones.
- Pull the damaged boards and place and lock the new ones. Be sure they locked and move slowly to the wall. Use finishing nails to put the molding and baseboards back in their place.
Buckling and lifting laminate flooring
Moisture, improper installation or high temperatures may cause laminate boards to lift. You should take into account the expansion and contraction of the boards. If you don’t, boards might not have any room, and they will buckle.
- When installing the laminate floor, you must leave some extra space around the perimeter. If there isn’t any, boards will press and push the walls to adapt to your room. No free space – they’ll buckle.
To deal with this, try using a putty knife or chisel and the hammer to take off the baseboards or molding. This should lower the pressure against the walls and settle the planks back.
- Having the expansion gap in mind is one of the crucial things to do. If this was a step you skipped, try not to repeat the mistake.
First, carefully remove the moldings close to the damaged planks so you could reach and replace them with the new ones. Don’t throw away extra planks when doing the installation for the first time. These might be the situations you’ll need those remaining plates.
If you’re using the new ones, they should adapt to the level of humidity in your home first, just like the old ones. Check if the color and pattern of the new boards matching with the old ones. Check the thickness and the locking system too.
Carefully place and lock new boards moving toward the molding and the wall. And don’t forget the expansion gap!
Cupping laminate flooring
Cupping refers to laminate floors that are not perfectly flat anymore. The surface looks wavy as the edges of the planks are somewhat raised toward the middle of the plank.
Relative humidity that may be too high in a room can cause cupping to happen. Laminate can also absorb the excess moisture from the subfloor. Excessive mopping or if there is anything wet left long enough on the floor can boost the moisture level.
- You must be careful to keep anything wet off the floor. Look for any possible pipe leaks or appliances, ventilation systems… The floor has to dry fully. It has to balance out with the level of humidity in the room. After it dries, you can do the sanding to make sure the floor is completely flat.
- If cupping happens, you have to replace the damaged planks in most cases.
- If the problem is excessive subfloor moisture, you will probably have to replace all the boards. This affects the fixing to the sub-floor. Try to take all the measures so this doesn’t happen as it will take a lot of work to fix it.
Laminate floors are a cheap and yet decorative solution for many different spaces. True, you can fix minor damages all by yourself. You don’t have to be a certified professional to do it. Even replacing a couple of damaged boards is not that hard.
Yet, have in mind some of the guidelines and tips so you wouldn’t have to fix anything any time soon. But even if you do have to, don’t worry. With proper tools and a few tips, you will restore the flooring to look as good as new.
FAQs about repairing laminate flooring
1. How do I repair laminate flooring scratches?
Scratches can happen on laminate flooring, but they are simple to fix. You can use a laminate floor repair kit, which often includes color-matched putty and a putty knife, for small damages. Apply the putty directly to the scratch, then wipe away any extra. You might need to completely replace the damaged plank if there are deeper scratches.
2. Can I fix a chipped or cracked piece of laminate flooring?
You can use a laminate floor repair kit or replace the damaged plank if you have laminate flooring that has been chipped or cracked. Remove the baseboard or quarter round to access the damaged plank, then gently pry it up. After replacing the plank, reinstall the baseboard or quarter round.
3. What’s the best way to repair laminate flooring that has water damage?
It’s critical to act swiftly to stop more damage if your laminate flooring has water damage. To start, use a cloth or mop to dry the affected area. You might need to replace the damaged boards if the damage is significant. If not, use a laminate floor repair kit to patch up any holes or fractures.
4. How do I replace a damaged plank of laminate flooring?
Remove the baseboard or quarter round before carefully prying up the broken plank to replace a laminate floor plank. Install a replacement plank, making sure it is firmly secured and precisely positioned. Reinstall the baseboard or quarter round last.
5. Can I use a laminate flooring repair kit to fix my floor?
Yes, you can mend your floor using a laminate floor repair kit. These kits frequently include colored putty, a putty knife, and occasionally a colored marker. They are simple to use and effective at mending many types of damage, including chips, cracks, and scratches.
6. What do I need to know before attempting to repair my laminate flooring?
It’s crucial to understand the type of damage you’re dealing with and the supplies you’ll need before attempting to fix your laminate flooring. In addition, be careful to adhere to any guidelines included with your repair kit or new planks. It’s essential to seek professional advice if you’re unclear about what to do.
7. How do I remove stains from my laminate flooring?
Determine the sort of stain before beginning to clean your laminate flooring. After that, apply a cleaner made especially for laminate flooring and according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use caution when using abrasive cleaners on your laminate flooring because they can harm the finish.
8. What’s the best way to clean and maintain my repaired laminate flooring?
Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a soft-brush attachment to sweep up dust and debris to maintain your repaired laminate flooring. Spills should be cleaned up right away, and you should routinely clean your floor with a laminate floor cleaner. Never use abrasive cleaners, and try to use as little water as possible.
9. Can I repair laminate flooring myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
Using a laminate floor repair kit, a homeowner can typically fix minor laminate flooring damage like scratches or tiny chips. To ensure the repair is done effectively and safely, it is best to engage a professional for larger damages, such as water damage or severe cracks.
10. Are there any safety considerations I should keep in mind when repairing laminate flooring?
Wear safety gear while fixing laminate flooring, such as gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask, to avoid cuts and irritation from dust and sharp objects. Additionally, cut off the power before performing any repairs, and never try to fix plumbing or electrical issues on your own.
If you enjoyed reading this article on how to repair laminate flooring, we also wrote on how to remove glued down laminate flooring, how to end laminate flooring at doorways, how to install laminate flooring on a concrete basement floor, how to dry laminate flooring with water under it, how to seal laminate flooring seams, how to install laminate flooring on walls, how to repair swollen laminate flooring, how to install laminate flooring without transitions, how to install laminate flooring on stairs, and how to stagger laminate flooring.