What You Can Do if Your Laminate Floor Starts to Lift

Many homeowners love laminate flooring because it is affordable, durable and it looks good. However, there is one common problem that can affect it and that is the planks can start to lift. Lifting planks can look unsightly and they could also be dangerous if you don’t fix them. Read on to find out why laminate flooring may lift and what you can do to rectify the issue.

Why Does Laminate Flooring Lift?

One of the main factors that causes laminate flooring to lift is moisture. Laminate and water really don’t mix, and any excess moisture, humidity or significant temperature changes can make the planks swell and lift at the edges. If your flooring was not installed correctly and if the planks were not given enough room to expand and contract, this can also cause problems.

Finding the Cause of the Lifting

Before you try to fix your lifted laminate flooring, you will need to identify the extent of the problem and what has caused it. Inspect the affected area carefully and look for signs of water damage, gaps between the planks or any visible lifting at the edges. If the lifting is confined to a small area, it may be easier to fix rather than if it’s widespread.

Addressing Moisture Issues

If too much moisture is why your laminate floor is lifting, the first thing you need to do is stop the water from getting to your floor. Fix any leaks, improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture levels in your home. Once the area has dried out, you may be able to get the planks to lie flat again by putting heavy objects on the lifted sections. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the affected planks.

Fixing Lifting Caused by Poor Installation

If the lifting is caused by poor installation or a lack of expansion gaps, you may need to remove the skirting boards or edging and trim around the perimeter of the floor. This will let you see whether there is enough space for the flooring to expand. If you need to create a gap, cut a small amount from the edge of the planks nearest the walls. Then replace the skirting or edging but make sure that they do not pinch the flooring.

While you can fix laminate flooring issues yourself, some issues may require professional help. If you can’t find out why the floor is lifting or the problem has affected the entire floor, it is best to engage a flooring expert.