Can I Make Laminate Floors Waterproof

Can I Make Laminate Floors Waterproof? 2

Laminate flooring is a sought-after choice of flooring. However, it is not perfect, laminate flooring struggles against moisture. Since laminate is made from recycled wood materials that are pressed into layers, it is naturally vulnerable to water damage.

If your laminate is in a room that gets wet on a regular basis, it is good to consider ways you can make your laminate floors waterproof.

In this article, we discuss multiple ways you can waterproof your laminate floor and maximize there longevity.

Use polyurethane as a top coat

A Polyurethane top coat is the most effective way of protecting the laminate from water damage. Even though this won’t seal the gaps between the planks, a polyurethane top coat seals the floorboards themselves. It is important to bear in mind that laminate flooring has a thin resin layer which the polyurethane might not adhere well too. Sanding down this layer is not a good idea because doing so will destroy the layer that gives the plank its natural beauty.

The best method to apply the polyurethane is with a mop. Applying one layer, letting it dry, then adding a second coat. The amount of layers that you should apply varies by the floor and the brand of coating. Some flooring brands will list specific coatings to be used, or will have their own brand of coating available.

Use caulk for extension gaps

Extension gaps are normally the most prone to water damage. Spills and leaks will pass through and eventually accumulate, no matter how small these gaps may be.

Silicone will help prevent spills from seeping in, while still staying flexible enough to not interfere with the laminates ability to expand and contract.

Seal the locking systems

If left untreated, the gaps where the planks come together, could increase the likelihood of moisture accumulating in the planks. This is where using a floor sealant is beneficial. Floor sealant doesn’t completely glue the gaps, so if you need to make repairs lifting the floor stays trouble-free.

Make sure to get the sealant your laminate company recommends. Some laminate companies even manufacture their own. If you apply the wrong sealant, it may not expand or contract depending on the humidity levels, causing the floor to splinter and chip.

Keep in mind that you’re on the clock. Soon after you finish applying the sealant, you will need to make sure to clean up the excess. Some seals can hard very quickly and cause you to end up with clumps of adhesive.

Conclusion

With the methods stated above, you will help waterproof your flooring without sacrificing the beauty of your laminate floors. Since water damage occurs slowly and subtly, it can be too late when you realize your floor is accumulating moisture. These precautionary measures will go a long way in securing the safety of your floors.

For more information about how long vinyls floors last check out our post “How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

2 Comments

  1. I’m currently planning to use polyurethane as a top coat on my laminate flooring. I am confused about what polyurethane I should choose. Any advice would be appreciated!

    1. Hey Renee, the first step is to check your flooring manufacturer’s guide/instructions and see if they have a polyurethane coat they recommend. If the flooring manufacturer doesn’t list a certain polyurethane, then you may want to find a polyurethane manufacturer and ask them if their product works on most laminate floorings.

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