Water damage is one of the most dreaded scenarios for homeowners with laminate flooring. Whether from a leaking appliance, overflowing sink, or weather-related incident, discovering water under your beautiful herringbone laminate flooring or any laminate installation can feel like an emergency. While laminate flooring has many advantages, including affordability and aesthetic appeal, it isn’t naturally waterproof like some other flooring options.
 

The good news? Quick action and proper drying techniques can often save your floors and prevent costly laminate flooring installation in the future. Here’s what you need to know when facing this all-too-common household disaster.
 

Understanding how water affects laminate flooring

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand why water poses such a threat to even the best laminate flooring. Most laminate products consist of several layers:
 

  1. A wear layer (transparent protective coating)
  2. A design layer (the printed pattern that gives the laminate its appearance)
  3. A core layer (typically high-density fiberboard or HDF)
  4. A backing layer (provides stability and some moisture resistance)

 

The core layer is particularly vulnerable to water damage. When exposed to moisture, this fiberboard can swell, distort, and lose structural integrity. Once this happens, even the best laminate flooring may need replacement, as the damage is typically irreversible.
 

Modern herringbone laminate flooring and other premium options often feature enhanced water resistance, but none are completely waterproof without special treatments. Even water-resistant varieties can sustain damage from standing water if left unaddressed.
 

Immediate steps when you discover water

When you find water under your laminate floors, time is of the essence. Here’s what to do immediately:
 

Stop the water source

Before anything else, identify and stop the source of the water. Turn off water valves if it’s a plumbing issue, move leaking appliances, or place buckets under roof leaks. Addressing the cause prevents the situation from worsening.
 

Remove standing water

Use towels, a wet vacuum, or a mop to remove visible water from the surface of your floors. Work quickly but carefully to avoid pushing water deeper into seams between planks.
 

Assess the extent of water penetration

Try to determine how much water has penetrated beneath the surface. Is it limited to one small area, or has water spread throughout multiple rooms? This assessment will help you decide whether this is a DIY fix or requires professional intervention.
 

Drying techniques that can save your floors

Once you’ve handled the immediate water removal, proper drying becomes your priority:
 

Create airflow

Position fans strategically to create maximum airflow across and under the affected flooring. If possible, point some fans at the baseboards where the flooring meets the wall, as water often collects in these areas.
 

Use dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are essential for removing moisture from both the air and, by extension, your flooring. Place one or more dehumidifiers in the affected area and empty them regularly.
 

Consider partial disassembly for severe cases

For significant water infiltration, especially with floating laminate flooring installation, you may need to carefully remove some planks to allow better airflow underneath. This is particularly important for herringbone laminate flooring and other complex patterns, where water can become trapped in multiple directions.
 

If your laminate was professionally installed, consult with experts before attempting disassembly, as improper removal can cause additional damage and may void warranties.
 

Dry the subfloor thoroughly

Even if your laminate appears dry on top, moisture can remain trapped in the subfloor. Use moisture meters (available for rent at many hardware stores) to ensure the subfloor is completely dry before considering the crisis resolved.
 

When to call professionals

While minor water incidents can often be managed independently, certain situations warrant professional intervention:
 

  • Water has been present for more than 24 hours
  • The affected area is larger than 10 square feet
  • The water source was contaminated (sewage, outdoor flooding)
  • You notice warping, bubbling, or other visible damage
  • You detect musty odors that might indicate mold growth

 

Professional water damage restoration companies have specialized equipment that can extract moisture from below your floors without necessitating complete removal. This can be particularly valuable for saving premium herringbone laminate flooring or other high-end installations.
 

Preventing future water damage

Once you’ve addressed the current situation, take steps to prevent future incidents:
 

  • Install water leak detectors near potential problem areas
  • Consider applying additional sealant at edges where water infiltration is likely
  • Be cautious with cleaning methods, using only slightly damp mops
  • Address plumbing issues immediately
  • Consider water-resistant or waterproof laminate for future installations, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements

 

Expert help for water-damaged flooring!

When water damage affects your laminate flooring, trust the experienced team at Brothers Floor Covering to provide expert assessment and solutions. Serving Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, and Geist, our specialists can determine whether your existing floors can be saved or if new laminate flooring installation is necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation or visit our showroom to explore the best laminate flooring options with enhanced water resistance features.

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