Are you concerned that your laminate floor may have been exposed to water damage? Water damage restoration can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s important to catch any damage early on. To help you identify potential water damage to your laminate floor, here are seven key signs to watch out for:
1. The Floor Feels Spongy When You Walk On It
If your laminate floor feels soft and spongy under your feet, this is one of the major signs that your floor has been water damaged.
This is because when a laminate floor gets damaged by water, the underlying plywood will absorb moisture and swell, making the floor feel spongy.
Even if you are not walking on the affected area, you may still be able to tell if there is a water-damaged floor by tapping on the surface with a hard object, such as a pen or a screwdriver. If it gives off a hollow sound, this could indicate a water-damaged floor.
2. The Floor Looks Warped or Bubbled
One of the telltale signs that your laminate floor has suffered water damage is if it appears to be warped or bubbled.
If you notice that the shape of the floor has changed and you can see slight bubbles on the surface, this is a sure sign that it has been exposed to water.
This type of water-damaged floor can be dangerous as it can make walking difficult and cause injuries.
It is important to immediately inspect the floor to determine the extent of the damage and take appropriate measures to repair it.
3. The Floor Is Discolored
If your laminate floor is starting to show signs of water damage, one of the most obvious signs will be discoloration.
If your floor has a yellow or brown tint, this could be caused by moisture. This could also be the result of a water-damaged floor that has been exposed to excess moisture for a long period of time.
If you notice these discolorations, it’s important to take action quickly before more extensive damage occurs.
4. There is Water Seeping Through The Floor
If you notice water seeping through your laminate floor, this is a 100% sign of water damage.
If the water has been there for a long period of time, you may even be able to see signs of staining or warping.
When water starts to seep into the subfloor and other layers underneath the laminate, it can cause permanent damage to the entire floor. In some cases, the entire floor will need to be replaced due to the water damage.
It is important to identify any water seepage as soon as possible and take action to fix the problem before it gets worse.
5. The Floor Smells Musty
When a water-damaged floor is present, one of the most noticeable signs is the smell.
If your laminate flooring has been exposed to too much water or moisture, it can develop a musty smell. This smell may be faint at first, but it will become increasingly pungent as time goes on.
If you have recently noticed a musty smell coming from your laminate flooring, it could be a sign that it has been water-damaged.
6. The Floor Is Squeaky
One of the telltale signs of a water-damaged floor is squeaking.
This is usually caused by moisture that has made its way between the subfloor and the laminate, causing the boards to separate from one another and become loose.
When you walk across the floor, it makes an irritating noise that you won’t mistake for anything else.
If your laminate flooring is squeaking, it’s likely due to water damage, and you should take steps to address the problem as soon as possible.
7. The Floor Is Coming Apart
When a laminate floor has sustained water damage, it will start to show signs of wear and tear.
You may notice that the planks are coming apart at the edges or that the seams are pulling away from each other. In some cases, the water-damaged floor may start to buckle or crack.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address them immediately in order to prevent further damage.