Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners throughout the Inland Empire, offering durability and a beautiful aesthetic. However, like any flooring, it can sometimes encounter issues. One common problem that can arise is laminate boards lifting or buckling. This can be caused by various factors, including moisture, improper installation, or even changes in humidity.
The good news is that often, with a bit of patience and the right approach, you can effectively address these issues and restore your laminate floor to its former glory. As your trusted flooring experts at Wally's Carpet & Tile, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Understanding why your laminate flooring is lifting
Before diving into the fix, it’s helpful to understand the root cause of the lifting. This will not only help you choose the right repair method but also prevent future occurrences.
Moisture: This is perhaps the most common culprit. Excessive humidity, spills that aren't promptly cleaned, or even moisture rising from the subfloor can cause the wood fibers in the laminate core to swell, leading to lifting or buckling.
Improper installation: If the laminate wasn't installed with adequate expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room, or if the subfloor wasn't properly prepared, the boards can butt up against walls or other obstacles when they expand, causing them to lift.
Temperature and humidity fluctuations: While laminate is designed to be stable, extreme or rapid changes in temperature and humidity can still cause some expansion and contraction, potentially leading to issues over time.
Subfloor problems: An uneven or damaged subfloor can also contribute to lifting laminate, as it doesn't provide a stable base for the flooring.
Tools you might need
Depending on the cause and severity of the lifting, you might need a few simple tools to tackle the repair.
Utility knife
Pry bar
Rubber mallet
Wood glue (waterproof if moisture is an issue)
Weight (such as books or bricks)
Moisture meter (optional, but helpful for identifying moisture issues)
Clean cloths
Step-by-step guide to fixing lifted laminate
The approach you take will depend on whether the lifting is due to moisture, improper installation, or simply a few loose boards.
Addressing Minor Lifting or Loose Boards
If you have just a few boards that are slightly lifted or feel loose, you might be able to re-secure them.
Clean the area: Ensure the area under and around the lifted board is clean and free of debris.
Apply adhesive: Carefully lift the edge of the loose board. Apply a thin, even layer of wood glue (preferably waterproof if you suspect moisture) to the subfloor or the underside of the laminate where it will make contact.
Press down: Gently press the board back into place, ensuring it locks with the surrounding boards.
Apply weight: Place heavy objects, such as books or bricks, on top of the repaired area to hold the board down firmly while the glue dries. Leave the weight in place for at least 24 hours.
Wipe excess glue: Immediately wipe away any excess glue that seeps out with a damp cloth.
Fixing buckling due to moisture or expansion issues
If you have significant buckling, especially in the middle of the room or near walls, it's often a sign of moisture or inadequate expansion gaps.
Identify the affected area: Locate the boards that are most affected by the buckling.
Remove baseboards: Carefully remove the baseboards along the wall nearest to the buckling. Use a pry bar, being mindful not to damage the wall or the baseboard.
Check expansion gaps: Inspect the gap between the laminate and the wall. There should be a small gap (usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations) to allow for expansion. If the laminate is tight against the wall, this is likely the cause.
Trim the laminate (if necessary): If the expansion gap is insufficient, you will need to trim the edge of the laminate boards. Mark the amount you need to remove, and carefully use a utility knife to score and then snap off the excess laminate. You may need to remove several rows of boards to trim them properly.
Reinstall boards: Once the boards are trimmed, carefully re-lay them, ensuring they click securely into place.
Replace baseboards: Reattach the baseboards, making sure they cover the expansion gap.
Address moisture (if applicable): If moisture was the cause, it's crucial to identify and eliminate the source. This might involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or using a dehumidifier. Ignoring the moisture issue will likely lead to future problems.
Replacing damaged laminate boards
In some cases, the lifted laminate boards may be permanently damaged (e.g., warped beyond repair). In such instances, replacement is the best option.
Obtain replacement boards: Ideally, use leftover boards from the original installation. If not, try to find a matching laminate.
Identify and remove damaged boards: If the damaged boards are in the middle of the room, you may need to carefully disassemble the laminate from the nearest wall to reach them. Use a pry bar to gently lift and separate the interlocking boards.
Clean the subfloor: Ensure the subfloor beneath the removed boards is clean and dry.
Install new boards: Carefully click the new laminate boards into place, working backward from the direction you disassembled.
Reassemble the floor: Once the new boards are installed, reassemble the rest of the laminate flooring, ensuring all connections are secure.
Prevention is key
While these steps can help you fix lifted laminate, preventing the issue in the first place is always the best approach.
Control moisture: Clean up spills immediately. Use doormats at entryways. Consider a dehumidifier in humid environments.
Ensure proper installation: If you're installing laminate yourself, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially regarding expansion gaps and subfloor preparation.
Maintain indoor humidity: Try to keep indoor humidity levels relatively stable to minimize expansion and contraction.
Addressing lifted laminate flooring can seem daunting, but by understanding the causes and following these steps, you can often restore your floor's appearance and functionality. For those larger, more complex flooring challenges, remember that Wally's Carpet & Tile, your trusted flooring experts, are always here to help.
Ready for flooring solutions that stand the test of time?
At Wally's Carpet & Tile, we've been proudly serving the Inland Empire since 1954. With physical locations in San Bernardino, Yucaipa, and Upland, CA, and a convenient shop-at-home service in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we are dedicated to providing durable, family-friendly flooring solutions including flooring repair services, that embody quality work, friendly communication, and a commitment to our community.
If you're looking for flooring that's built to last and installed by a team you can trust, reach out to Wally's Carpet & Tile today.
Our conveniently located showrooms proudly serve the following communities:
San Bernardino showroom - Highland, Riverside, Moreno Valley, CA
Yucaipa showroom - Redlands, Calimesa, Beaumont, CA
Upland store - Ontario, Montclair, San Antonio Heights, Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, CA (shop at home only) - Alta Loma, Etiwanda, CA
