Laminate Flooring Gaps: Why They Happen And How To Fix Them.

Laminate flooring is a popular choice due to its durability, affordability, and easy installation. However, over time, you may notice gaps forming between the planks. These gaps can be unsightly and, if left unchecked, may cause further damage. If you’re wondering, “What causes gaps in laminate flooring?” or how to fix and disguise them, this guide will provide step-by-step solutions. Whether you can repair the gaps by closing them or need to hide them, we’ve got you covered.

What Causes Gaps in Laminate Flooring?

Gaps in laminate flooring can be caused by several factors. Understanding these causes can help you prevent future gaps and maintain the integrity of your flooring.

1. Temperature and Humidity Changes

• Description: Laminate flooring expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. If the environment fluctuates significantly, it can cause gaps to form between the planks.
• Impact: Gaps may appear during colder, drier months when the laminate contracts and close up again during warmer, more humid months.

2. Improper Installation

• Description: If the laminate flooring was not installed correctly, such as not allowing for proper expansion gaps around the room’s perimeter, it can lead to buckling or gaps forming.
• Impact: Poor installation can cause the planks to shift, leading to uneven floors and visible gaps.

3. Subfloor Issues

• Description: An uneven or improperly prepared subfloor can cause laminate planks to sit unevenly, leading to gaps forming over time.
• Impact: The uneven base can prevent the planks from locking together correctly, causing them to separate.

4. Poor Quality Laminate

• Description: Lower-quality laminate flooring may lack the stability of higher-grade options, making them more prone to expansion, contraction, and gaps.
• Impact: Cheaper laminates may have weaker locking mechanisms, making them more susceptible to shifting.

5. Heavy Furniture or Traffic

• Description: Moving heavy furniture across laminate flooring or heavy foot traffic can shift the planks and create gaps.
• Impact: Continuous pressure or movement can cause the planks to separate over time.

What Tools You Need to Close Gaps in Laminate Flooring

Closing gaps in laminate flooring requires a few simple tools that you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Pull Bar: Used to pull together laminate planks that have gaps between them, especially near walls where other tools can’t be used.
2. Rubber Mallet: Used to gently tap the pull bar and close gaps without damaging the planks.
3. Tapping Block: A block used to tap the planks together without chipping or cracking the edges.
4. Spacers: Used to maintain expansion gaps around the room’s perimeter when reinstalling planks.
5. Utility Knife: Useful for trimming underlayment or cutting small sections of laminate if needed.
6. Measuring Tape: To measure the gaps and ensure proper alignment.
7. Wood Glue (Optional): For more permanent fixes where planks are repeatedly separating.

Closing Laminate Flooring Gaps Step by Step

If you have noticed gaps forming between your laminate planks, we’ve got a quick fix for you to try before you go buying tools. Stick on some grippy shoes, such as running shoes, stand a couple planks away from the gap and try to kick one of the problem planks to close the gap. If you’ve got a small gap this might do the job, if not then follow these steps to close them effectively:

1. Identify the Gaps and Assess the Cause

• Step: Inspect the entire floor and locate all gaps. Determine if they are due to temperature changes, poor installation, or other causes.
• Why It’s Important: Knowing the cause helps you decide the best method for repair and prevents future gaps.

2. Remove Baseboards or Mouldings (if necessary)

• Step: If the gaps are near the edges of the room, carefully remove the baseboards or mouldings using a pry bar to access the planks.
• Why It’s Important: Removing baseboards allows you to adjust planks that have moved away from the wall.

3. Use a Pull Bar and Rubber Mallet

• Step: Position the pull bar against the edge of the plank with a gap. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the pull bar, closing the gap between the planks.
• Why It’s Important: The pull bar and mallet combination allows you to move the planks back into place without damaging them.

4. Tap the Planks Together Using a Tapping Block

• Step: For gaps in the middle of the floor, use a tapping block placed against the edge of a plank. Tap it gently with a mallet to close the gap.
• Why It’s Important: The tapping block ensures that you apply force evenly, reducing the risk of damaging the planks.

5. Reinstall Baseboards or Mouldings

• Step: After all gaps are closed, reinstall the baseboards or mouldings, ensuring that the expansion gap is maintained around the room’s perimeter.
• Why It’s Important: Properly refitting the baseboards keeps the flooring secure and prevents future movement.

6. Use Wood Glue for Persistent Gaps (Optional)

• Step: If certain planks repeatedly separate, apply a small amount of wood glue to the tongue and groove before tapping them back together.
• Why It’s Important: Wood glue provides a more permanent solution to prevent recurring gaps but should be used cautiously.

How To Hide Laminate Gaps If You Can’t Remove Them

Sometimes, closing gaps in laminate flooring is not possible due to various reasons such as accessibility issues or risk of damaging the floor. In such cases, you can opt to disguise the gaps:

1. Use Colour-Matched Wood Filler

• Method: Choose a wood filler or putty that matches the colour of your laminate flooring. Apply it to the gaps using a putty knife and smooth it out. Wipe away any excess with a damp cloth.
• Why It Works: Colour-matched wood filler blends in with the laminate, making the gaps less noticeable while preventing debris from collecting.

2. Apply Caulking for Wider Gaps

• Method: For wider gaps, use a colour-matched caulk. Apply a thin bead along the gap and smooth it with a wet finger or a caulking tool.
• Why It Works: Caulking fills and seals the gap, preventing moisture and dirt from entering while creating a seamless look.

3. Use Gap Covers or Transition Strips

• Method: For gaps that occur between different sections of flooring or near thresholds, use gap covers or transition strips that match your flooring.
• Why It Works: Transition strips provide a clean finish and cover gaps effectively, especially between different types of flooring.

4. Place Rugs or Mats Over the Gaps

• Method: Strategically place rugs or mats over areas where gaps are noticeable. Choose rugs that complement your room’s decor.
• Why It Works: Rugs and mats provide a quick and easy solution to disguise gaps while also adding comfort and style to the room.

5. Use a Floor Repair Marker

• Method: For very small gaps or minor separation, use a floor repair marker that matches the colour of your laminate. Simply colour in the gap to blend it in with the surrounding floor.
• Why It Works: Repair markers provide a quick touch-up solution to make small gaps less noticeable.

Conclusion

Gaps in laminate flooring can be frustrating, but there are several effective ways to fix or disguise them. Whether caused by temperature changes, poor installation, or heavy traffic, understanding what causes gaps in laminate flooring and using the right tools and techniques to close or hide them can restore your floor’s appearance and functionality. From using a pull bar and tapping block to fill gaps with colour-matched fillers or caulking, these methods ensure your laminate flooring remains a beautiful and durable choice for your home.