If there is a common problem with laminate flooring, it is how soon these floors may start looking bad. That is often the case if you do the installation yourself, especially if you don’t have ample knowledge to handle the task well. The same applies when you seek assistance from inexperienced contractors. That’s why it is always advisable to consult only reputable ones, such as Homebuddy. The experts are aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Consequently, you get a laminate floor that looks good and lasts long. So, which are these common problems? How can you avoid them if you consider laminate flooring? Without further ado, let’s discuss the answers.
Laminate Boards Lifting Around the Seams
source: besttilesandflooring.com
It is a common problem with laminate flooring; various people refer to it differently. Some call it peaking, whereas others refer to it as crowning. As the name suggests, the laminate boards usually rise at the seams. Consequently, shallow peaks emerge and are hard to miss, especially over time.
The primary cause of this problem is the boards pressing each other too much, thus leading to the lift. Sometimes, the problem is the installation since failure to leave adequate gaps can compromise expansion. Other causes are natural and revolve around moisture damage. For instance, this is a common problem with laminate flooring if the substrate floor is exposed to excess moisture.
If the problem is mild, you can cut some of the laminate boards. Such an intervention creates a wide expansion gap, thus curbing the peaking. However, you can use heavy objects to level the laminate floor for more serious cases.
Lack of Expansion Gaps
source: buildwithabang.com
In extreme cases, people who claim to be professionals, whereas that’s far from the truth, don’t leave even tiny expansion gaps. How will your laminating flooring withstand the unavoidable expansion and contraction? As humidity levels change, the consequent expansion and contraction will make the laminate boards buckle. The same applies to changes in temperature.
It explains the need to only settle for experienced laminate flooring experts. If it is too late, look for these professionals to add expansion gaps to the laminate floor. There is no need to worry since they can quickly figure that out. Don’t attempt to do it yourself since its complexity increases the chances of the same backfiring on you.
Laminate Flooring Fading
source: easyrenovate.com
It is yet another common problem with laminate flooring. One must commend laminate flooring manufacturers for their preventive measures. After all, most of these high-quality laminate boards come with a coating. That aluminum oxide prevents your floor from fading due to sunlight.
However, as time passes, not even the coating will be sufficient for the protection the laminate flooring needs. After all, UV rays are often harsh, and the aftermath is always indisputable. The worst part is that the fading is rarely uniform, and some areas fade extremely.
That’s why you need alternative ways to prevent exposure of your laminate boards to direct sunlight. For instance, install UV-protection blinds or windows depending on your budget and preference. If the damage is already done, you can consider temporary solutions, such as painting the patches before coating them with a sealant. Ensure that the paint matches the shade of the laminate boards. Otherwise, it might get even more conspicuous, thus worsening your situation.
Nevertheless, that solution will mostly work for small spots. If the faded areas are relatively large, consider using an appropriate décor item. A rug can also do the trick. However, it would be best to consider a permanent solution: replacing your laminating floor or the faded boards.
Bubbling On the Laminate Floor
source: chandlerpudsteck.blogspot.com
Water can water down the beauty that a laminate floor offers any room. It will look stylish and beautiful until it experiences water damage. Consequently, bubbling, a common problem with laminate flooring, will appear. Remember that the laminate board’s core layer is fibreboard. Once it comes into contact with water, the layer will swell, thus giving your floor a weird look. That’s why you should avoid such an outcome at all times.
Alternatively, choose new and improved laminate boards. Unlike their predecessors, they are water resistant, thus reducing the chances of bubbles appearing on your floor. However, it would be unfortunate if you were to assume that even the new models are 100% waterproof. So, avoid water contact for the sake of your floor’s appearance.
Remember that even inadequate expansion gaps can cause this problem. You can prevent it, but if it is already an issue, start by stopping the water damage immediately. After that, replace the boards with ugly bubbles. If you are lucky, you can successfully remove the trapped moisture and air in those bubbles using your needs. One can’t insist enough on being careful and slow while at it to avoid doing more harm than good.
Uneven and Non-uniform Laminate Floor
source: The Spruce
One of the reasons most people settle for laminate flooring is its high resistance to dents, marks, and scratches. Neither scuff marks nor their impact marks seem to weather these boards. It explains why the solution is common in the commercial sector. It is suitable for restaurants, shops, and malls, among other high-traffic areas, for the same reason. However, the flooring is also far from perfection. Therefore, don’t be surprised if your laminate floor becomes non-uniform and uneven over time. The scratches and marks can make the flooring look less appealing.
So, how do you fix this common problem with laminate flooring? It narrows down to how serious these spots are. A melted crayon, marker, or pencil will do the trick. If the dent is relatively deep, an even colored putty will do it the justice it deserves. Alternatively, use a laminate flooring repair kit or replace those boards altogether.
Conclusion
Almost every common problem with laminating flooring involves the installation process. Therefore, you can’t afford to hire the wrong person for this job. Do your due diligence before hiring someone. Equally important, only do it yourself if you are up to the task. However, other problems have nothing to do with the construction. On the contrary, they have everything to do with your location, weather, and maintenance. Fortunately, all these are avoidable; the above discussion answers the how.
