Understand the problem: why is your laminate flooring separating?
If you’ve noticed gaps between your laminate flooring, it could be a sign that they’re starting to separate. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve invested time and money into installing new laminate flooring in your home. Laminate flooring separating can happen for several reasons, but the good news is that there are simple solutions to fix them. Before we dive into the fixes, let’s understand some of the common causes of laminate flooring separating.
Humidity: Laminate flooring is made up of different layers, with the bottom layer consisting of a high-density fiberboard (HDF) that can easily warp due to moisture. If the humidity level in your home is consistently high, it can cause the HDF to swell, which results in the flooring separating. This is why it’s essential to maintain proper humidity levels in your home.
Temperature Changes: Similar to humidity, sudden changes in temperature can cause the HDF to expand or contract, which leads to laminate floors separating from each other. Temperature changes can occur due to seasonal changes or using heating and cooling systems without regulating humidity levels.
Installation Issues: During the installation process, the flooring needs to “float” above the subfloor, meaning it’s not glued down. If the installation is incorrect, it can lead to weak points, causing the flooring to separate. Additionally, if the gaps between the flooring are too narrow, it doesn’t leave enough room for expansion and contraction, which leads to separation.
Bowing Subfloor: If your subfloor is bowed or not level, it can cause pressure and stress on the laminate flooring, leading to separation and gaps. This can occur due to settling, water damage, or poor-quality materials used during subfloor installation.
Lack of Acclimation: Before installing laminate flooring, it’s essential to give it time to adjust to the environment it will be installed in. If the flooring is installed immediately, it can lead to separation and gaps as it expands or contracts due to the environmental differences.
Now that we understand some of the common causes of laminate flooring separating, you’re probably wondering what you can do to fix it. Don’t worry, in the following subtopics, we’ll explore simple solutions to these problems to get your flooring back to looking great in no time!
Gather the necessary tools and material
Fixing separating laminate flooring can be done with some basic tools and materials. You will need:
- Hammer – A hammer is needed to gently tap the planks back together.
- Wood glue – You will need wood glue to fix the planks that have completely separated.
- Caulk gun – You will need a caulk gun to apply the wood glue easily and neatly.
- Crowbar or pry bar – A crowbar or pry bar is needed to remove the baseboard or quarter round in order to access the loose plank.
- Utility knife – A utility knife is needed to cut the excess glue that oozes out around the separated boards.
- Weighted objects – You will need some weighted objects like books or bricks to place on the glued area and hold the plank together while the glue dries.
- Clean cloth – You will need a clean cloth to wipe up any excess glue that oozes out around the separated boards and to leave the area clean and dry after fixing the problem.
It’s important to note that if the separating planks have a minor gap, it’s best to fix it using a tapping block, not the hammer, as a hammer can easily damage the surface of the flooring. Tapping blocks can be easily found at your local hardware store or online. Moreover, it’s best to check with your manufacturer first before making any repairs so that you can be sure that you are not voiding your warranty. Some manufacturers might even offer repair kits to help you fix the problem specifically for their product.
Prepare the damaged area for repair
If you have found that your laminate flooring is separating, don’t worry; the fix is relatively simple. The first step is to prepare the damaged area for repair. Here are the steps that you can follow:
1. Identify the damaged area:
The first step is to identify the specific area that is damaged. Once you have found it, clear the area of any obstructions, such as furniture or rugs. This will give you better access to the damaged section.
2. Assess the damage:
Next, assess the extent of the damage. Is it only a small section that is separating, or is the damage more significant? Assessing the damage will help you determine the best course of action to take, and whether or not it is something that you can fix on your own.
3. Remove the damaged pieces:
If you are dealing with significant damage, you may need to remove the damaged section entirely. To do this, locate the nearest joint or seam and use a circular saw to cut along the seam. Once you have cut through the damaged section, remove it and any adhesive that is attached to it. If you are dealing with less severe damage, skip to step 4.
4. Remove any adhesive:
If you have removed a damaged section, you will need to take extra care when removing any adhesive that has been left behind. Use a flat scraper to remove any excess adhesive, and rub the area down with a clean cloth to remove any loose debris.
5. Clean and dry the area:
Before reattaching the laminate flooring, it is essential to make sure the area is clean and dry. Use a vacuum to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the repair process. Wipe the area down with a clean and dry cloth to ensure that it is free from any moisture.
6. Reattach the laminate flooring:
Using construction adhesive, reattach the damaged section to the rest of the flooring. If you had to cut out a damaged section, you may need to use a piece of wood or other material to create a bridge between the two sections. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific type of adhesive that you are using.
7. Allow the adhesive to dry:
After reattaching the damaged section, you should allow the adhesive to dry completely before walking on the floor again. The drying time will vary, depending on the type of adhesive that you used.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your laminate flooring is repaired correctly and will last for years to come.
Fix the separation in the laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is an affordable and durable option, but it can still experience separation over time. This separation can occur due to moisture, installation issues, or environmental factors. It’s important to fix the separation as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your flooring. Here are some simple steps to help you fix it:
Step 1: Identify the Separation
The first step is to identify the separation. Look for gaps or spaces in your laminate flooring. You may also notice a change in the texture of the flooring or a hollow sound when you walk on it. Once you’ve identified the separation, you can move on to fixing it.
Step 2: Clean the Area
Before you begin the repair, clean the area around the separation. Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the area is clean and free of any obstacles that may prevent the repair from being successful.
Step 3: Apply Wood Glue
Apply a small amount of wood glue to the separation. Use a small brush to spread the glue evenly across the gap. Be sure to use a glue that is specifically designed for wood laminate flooring. Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Seal the Separation
Once the glue has dried, use a laminate floor repair kit to seal the separation. These kits typically come with a paste that you apply to the gap and a tool for smoothing it out. Apply the paste to the separation and use the tool to smooth it out until it’s level with the rest of the flooring. Wipe away any excess paste with a damp cloth and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 5: Refinish the Area
If the separation is in a high-traffic area, you may want to consider refinishing the entire area to ensure that it blends in with the rest of the flooring. Use a laminate floor refinishing kit to refinish the area and make it look like new.
In conclusion, fixing the separation in your laminate flooring is a relatively easy and inexpensive process. By following these simple steps, you can have your flooring looking like new again in no time.
Finishing touches: Sanding and Cleaning up
Once you’ve successfully replaced the gap or separation in your laminate floorboard, it’s time to give it some finishing touches. Proper sanding and cleaning are two crucial steps that can make a huge difference in the appearance and durability of your repaired floor.
The first task on your list should be to get rid of any roughness or unevenness in the repaired area by sanding it lightly. You don’t necessarily need a power sander for this – a simple sanding block with a medium-grit sandpaper will suffice. Avoid sanding aggressively and focus on smoothing out rough edges to create a seamless transition between the repaired and existing floor.
After sanding, your next step should be to clean up the dust and debris leftover from the repair process. Vacuuming the entire floor, using a broom to sweep, or wiping it down with a dry cloth can help get rid of any dust, sawdust, caulk residues, or other debris from the work area. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, including baseboards and corners, to ensure a thorough clean-up.
Once the floor is dust-free, use a damp mop or cloth to clean it with warm water and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using any abrasive, acidic or oil-based cleaners as they can dull or damage your floor over time. Some recommended cleaning solutions for laminate floors include diluted vinegar, baking soda and water, or a gentle commercial cleaner specifically designed for laminate floors.
When mopping the floor, make sure to wring out the mop or cloth well to avoid soaking or saturating the floor, as excess moisture can cause warping or swelling in laminates. A good rule of thumb is to dampen your mop or cloth and wring it out until it’s just slightly wet before mopping.
Finally, after cleaning, allow the floor to air dry thoroughly before walking or placing any objects on it. Avoid using fans or heaters to speed up the drying process, as they can cause excessive drying and damage to the floor. Once the floor is completely dry, you can add a protective finish like laminate polish or wax to help restore its shine and protect it from future damage.
In conclusion, sanding and cleaning up are essential finishing touches that can help complete the repair process and ensure the longevity and overall appearance of your laminate flooring. By following the steps above and using proper tools and products, you can achieve a seamless repair that blends in perfectly with the rest of your floor.