How to Inspect Laminate Floor for Water Damage
Laminate flooring is most often associated with the Pergo brand of flooring and typically replicates the look of solid or engineered hardwood floors. Although most laminates typically carry a 15-year guarantee against fading and stains, they normally don't offer this type of guarantee against water damage. To inspect the floor for damage due to water, a number of telltale signs, such as crowning, warping or buckling, will lead you to investigate further. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Moisture meter
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Instructions
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A moisture meter is an invaluable tool in checking for damage due to moisture or water. If the floor boards are curled on the ends or the flooring is warping or buckling, a meter can help you determine the origin of the problem. For instance, flooring installed over concrete should be sufficiently dry and have a moisture content of less than 2.5 percent, or 1.5 percent if you've installed radiant heat beneath the flooring.
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Once you've determined the source of the water problem, you can take measures to correct the situation. Most laminate floors are floating installations; in other words, they're installed or laid over a subfloor such as vinyl or concrete. Therefore, a leak from under a sink or from a refrigerator or dishwasher can seep between the floorboards and cause the the floor to swell or crown.
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Check the corner joints of the floor and make sure they're tight. Make certain straight joints are aligned properly and fit well. Look at the skirting and baseboard to make sure they cover any gaps. Inspect any areas with gaps that haven't been sealed.
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Look for mold and mildew in specific areas of the flooring. This is a certain indicator that you have a water or moisture problem. Many times this can be the result of a leaky pipe or even a damp crawl space.
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Consider how the floor has been maintained. If the floor has been wet-mopped, water can seep through the floorboards and buckling can result. Make sure that the floor has been maintained as prescribed by the manufacturer.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you use a moisture meter to check for leaks or water seepage before you install a laminate floor.
Install a vapor barrier or underlayment to reduce moisture for laminates installed over subfloors such as concrete.
Use dry and replaceable pads for laminates that are designed to attract dust and dirt. By doing so you can avoid any future water damage.
Using a dehumidifier can reduce excess moisture in the air, which can cause a floor to warp.
Never wet-mop the floor, as the excess water can cause the floorboards to expand and subsequently buckle. Use a damp mop if you must and citrus-based as opposed to soap-based cleaners to clean stains.
