Laminate flooring is a common type of flooring that imitates the appearance of hardwood, stone or tile. This kind of flooring is made to withstand dents, fading and stains. Laminate flooring comes in many colours, styles and patterns that match your aesthetic. However, your laminate flooring may develop scratches, chips, water damage or lifting and buckling boards over time. You can resolve these problems with a few fixes without having to replace the whole flooring. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of repairing laminate flooring.
See also: A step-by-step guide to laminate flooring installation
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How does laminate flooring benefit your floor?
- Affordable: Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, tile or stone flooring. They provide the same aesthetic appeal to your floors at a lower cost.
- Durable: Laminate flooring is durable and protects the flooring as it is resistant to scratches, stains, and fading.
- Low maintenance: Laminate flooring simply has to be regularly swept or vacuumed to eliminate dust, making it easy to clean and maintain. Most laminate floors are stain-resistant, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
- Quick and easy installation: Laminate flooring can be quickly and easily installed without the use of any complex tools. This can save you time and also reduce installation costs.
- Environment friendly: Laminate flooring is a sustainable choice because its lifespan is longer than that of other flooring options, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Step-by-step guide to help you repair laminate flooring
Materials required
- Laminate repair kit
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper or sand block
- Utility knife
- Adhesive
Repairing scratches and chips
Your laminate flooring may develop minor scratches due to everyday wear and tear, dropping objects or moving furniture. These scratches can be repaired by using a laminate repair kit that you can buy from any home improvement store. These kits generally contain a filler material and a marker or crayon. Choose a kit that is as close to the colour of your floor as possible. You can bring a spare piece or a picture of your floor to the store to compare the colours.
For minor scratches, follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Clean the damaged area with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
- Use the marker or crayon to colour in the scratch and blend it with the surrounding area. Wipe off any excess marker or colour with a clean cloth.
- Let it dry for an hour, and apply more coats if needed.
For deeper chips in your flooring, you will need to fill the damaged area with a laminate filler as follows:
- Clean the damaged area with a cloth to remove any debris.
- Then, use the putty or filler to fill in the chip.
- Level the surface of the flooring with a putty knife.
- Let the filler dry for an hour.
- Use a sandpaper or a sandblock to smoothen out the area.
Water damage
Water damage on laminate flooring can cause the floor to swell, warp, bubble or even develop discolouration on the boards. Water damage can occur from spills, leaks, floods or high humidity. The extent of the damage depends upon how long the water has been in contact with the floor and the amount of water penetrated on the boards. If the water damage is minor, you can repair the damage efficiently.
- Find the source of the leak, turn off the water and then fix the leak. Remove any furniture or rugs from the affected area and wipe off the water with a towel.
- Use a dehumidifier or a fan to dry out the area completely. If the boards are still the same after drying, you will need to replace them.
Replacing the flooring
In some cases, your laminate flooring may be too severe to repair. So you will need to replace the damaged boards with new ones.
- Look out for the damaged boards. Carefully remove the boards using a utility knife by lifting up the edge of the board and working towards the centre. Make sure not to damage the surrounding boards.
- To install the new boards, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of each board and then press them firmly into place.
- Make sure you leave it for a day before placing the furniture back.
FAQs
Can laminate flooring be repaired at home?
Yes, laminate flooring can be repaired at home.
Can I repair minor scratches on my laminate floor?
Yes, use a laminate repair kit and fill in minor scratches with the marker.
What should I do if there are chips on my laminate floor?
Use a spackling compound or putty to fill in the damaged area and then sand it to smoothen it.
How can I fix a lift or peeling laminate floor?
Use a laminate floor adhesive or glue to reattach the peeling or lifting laminate.
How do I replace a damaged laminate floor?
Use a utility knife to lift the flooring carefully from the edge and then replace it with a new one by gluing it with an adhesive.
Can a single plank of laminate flooring be replaced?
Yes, a single plank of laminate flooring can be replaced without replacing the entire floor.
How to remove stains from laminate flooring?
Make a mixture of water and dish liquid to remove the stains. For tougher stains, use acetone or rubbing alcohol.
How do I stop my laminate floor from squeaking?
The squeaking floor is due to loose planks. Use a wood glue, apply it along the edges and press it down firmly.
Is the appearance of laminate flooring affected by these methods?
If properly repaired, your flooring will retain its appearance, but this also depends upon the extent of the damage.
How do I prevent future damage to laminate flooring?
Regularly clean your floor. Place mats and rugs on the floor or use furniture pads. Clean up spills and stains immediately. Avoid dragging heavy objects on the floor.
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