Water vs Laminate Flooring

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

A burst pipe saturated the laminate flooring of this Water Valley, MS homeowner.

Laminate flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring in homes today, and the trend doesn't appear to be going away any time soon.  The lower price point and realistic wood finishes are the perfect choice for homeowners wanting to upgrade or renovate their homes with a luxury feel.  Laminate floors are also popular in newly built homes.  The quality of the laminate has greatly improved over the years, with some brands claiming to offer waterproof laminate flooring.  While this sounds ideal, the idea of completely waterproof laminate flooring is a bit misleading.

Many types of laminate flooring can withstand the wear and tear and occasional spills of everyday use.  As long as a spill is wiped up immediately, most laminate stays in good shape.  Should your home suffer water damage from other sources, such as a leaking appliance or burst pipe, the reality is that your flooring would most likely need to be replaced.

Laminate flooring is manufactured, so once the materials start to take on water, the underside starts to break down due to saturation.  There are signs to look for if you think your laminate flooring might have water damage.  The planks that typically lay flat could start splitting or bubbling.  They could begin to buckle.  Should you notice discoloration or visible mold, your floor is definitely damaged and needs to be replaced.

If you've experienced water damage, give the pros at SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale a call at 662-281-1881.  We'll take out the ruined floor and make it "Like it never even happened."

We're always here to help.