How To Fix Lifting Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring offers the beauty of hardwood without the extensive installation and maintenance costs, but it can sometimes present challenges such as lifting or buckling. This problem not only disrupts the aesthetic flow of your space but can also pose a tripping hazard. Understanding why laminate flooring lifts and knowing how to fix it are essential for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your floors. Here’s a detailed guide to help you address and resolve issues with lifting laminate flooring.
Understanding Why Laminate Flooring Lifts
Laminate flooring typically lifts due to a few common issues:
- Moisture Exposure: Laminate is particularly susceptible to moisture damage. Spills, high humidity, or moisture from the subfloor can cause the laminate to swell and lift.
- Improper Installation: Insufficient space for expansion at the edges of the flooring can lead to lifting. Laminate flooring needs a small gap around the edges of the room to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
- Subfloor Issues: Uneven subfloors can cause laminate planks to disconnect and lift.
- Heavy Furniture: Placing heavy furniture on laminate flooring without proper protection can stress the locking systems and lead to lifting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Lifting Laminate Flooring
1. Identify the Cause
The first step in fixing lifting laminate flooring is to identify the cause. Check for signs of moisture, assess the installation for expansion gaps, and ensure the subfloor is even. Addressing the root cause is crucial to a long-term solution.
2. Allow for Acclimation
If the lifting is due to insufficient expansion gaps, removing the baseboards and trimming the laminate slightly can provide the necessary space. Allow the flooring to acclimate to room conditions for a few days to see if it settles back down.
3. Replace Damaged Planks
In cases where moisture has caused swelling or damage, the affected planks will need to be replaced. Carefully remove the damaged planks and check the subfloor for moisture. Repair any moisture issues before laying new laminate planks.
4. Level the Subfloor
If uneven subfloors are causing the issue, you may need to lift the laminate and level the subfloor with a self-levelling compound or by sanding down high spots. Reinstall the laminate once the subfloor is adequately prepared.
5. Reinstall with Proper Expansion Gaps
Ensure that when reinstalling the laminate or adding new planks, proper expansion gaps are maintained. Typically, a gap of about 10mm is recommended around the edges and under the door frames.
6. Use Furniture Pads
To prevent future lifting, use furniture pads under the legs of heavy furniture. This will distribute the weight more evenly and reduce stress on the flooring.
Conclusion
Fixing laminate flooring that is lifting can be straightforward if you correctly identify the cause and take appropriate measures. Whether it’s adjusting the expansion gaps, replacing damaged planks, or levelling the subfloor, each solution requires attention to detail to ensure your laminate flooring remains beautiful and functional.
Easipay Carpets can help you get brand new flooring without the high up-front cost – by simply letting you spread the cost of the flooring over time instead. There’s no interest on our plans so you aren’t spending a penny more than you would buying it outright and we include underlay, door trims, carpet grippers and laminate beading for free. Prices start from just £10 per week!
It starts with a free home appointment and quote, to get booked in at a time that suits you, tap the “Get Started” button below and fill out the contact form!
Still Got Questions? Here's 10 FAQs!
Check around the perimeter of the room. You should see a gap of about 10mm between the flooring and the wall, covered by the baseboard.
If a plank is not damaged but just lifted, you might be able to reposition it after addressing the underlying issue like the subfloor or expansion gap.
A saw suitable for laminate flooring, such as a hand saw or a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade, is ideal for trimming.
Laminate should acclimate for at least 48 hours in the room where it will be installed.
Yes, it’s best to clear the room to ensure easy access to the flooring and prevent any damage to your furniture.
Regular maintenance, such as keeping the floor clean and dry, using dehumidifiers in damp conditions, and protecting from heavy furniture, can help prevent lifting.
Use a damp mop with a laminate-specific cleaner to avoid excessive moisture.
Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% is ideal for laminate flooring.
Gluing is not generally recommended for laminate, which is designed to be a floating floor to allow for expansion and contraction.
Address any moisture issues with a professional before re-laying the laminate to prevent recurring problems.
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About The Author
Matt
Matt is a master at gathering relevant information and rolling it into a ball of digestibility. Fuelled by caffeine and metal bands, you'll usually find him in the office either writing blog posts with verification from our most experienced flooring fitters, creating new ad designs, working on our social media and website or finding ways to improve our customer's whole experience with us. Matt is part of the background force that keeps the Pay Weekly side of Easipay Carpets growing.