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Why Does My Laminate Floor Keep Coming Apart: The Shocking Truth Revealed

Mark Evans is the owner and operator of Nesting Nicely home paint blog. With over 15 years of experience in the painting industry, he is passionate about helping homeowners find the right paint colors and solutions for their living spaces. Mark got his start in the family painting business and...

What To Know

  • This can happen if there is a leak in the roof or plumbing, or if the floor is not properly sealed.
  • If the planks are not properly aligned or if the seams are not sealed, the floor can start to come apart.
  • Laminate flooring is a beautiful and affordable option for homeowners, but it’s important to understand the causes of laminate flooring coming apart and how to prevent it from happening.

Laminate flooring is a popular and affordable option for homeowners, but it’s not without its drawbacks. One of the most common problems is that laminate floors can start to come apart. This can be a frustrating and expensive problem to fix, but it’s important to understand what causes it and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Causes of Laminate Flooring Coming Apart

There are a number of factors that can contribute to laminate flooring coming apart. Some of the most common include:

  • Moisture: Laminate flooring is not waterproof, and exposure to moisture can cause the planks to swell and buckle. This can happen if there is a leak in the roof or plumbing, or if the floor is not properly sealed.
  • Improper installation: Laminate flooring must be installed correctly in order to stay in place. If the planks are not properly aligned or if the seams are not sealed, the floor can start to come apart.
  • Heavy traffic: Laminate flooring is not as durable as some other types of flooring, and heavy traffic can wear down the planks and cause them to separate.
  • Temperature changes: Extreme temperature changes can cause laminate flooring to expand and contract, which can put stress on the seams and cause the floor to come apart.

How to Prevent Laminate Flooring from Coming Apart

There are a number of things you can do to prevent laminate flooring from coming apart:

  • Protect the floor from moisture: Keep the floor dry by wiping up spills immediately and fixing any leaks in the roof or plumbing. You should also use a humidifier in the winter to keep the air moist and prevent the planks from drying out.
  • Install the floor correctly: Make sure the planks are properly aligned and that the seams are sealed. You should also use a vapor barrier under the floor to prevent moisture from seeping up from the subfloor.
  • Limit heavy traffic: Avoid placing heavy furniture on the floor and try to keep the traffic to a minimum. If you have a lot of traffic, you may want to consider using a rug or carpet to protect the floor.
  • Control temperature changes: Keep the temperature in your home consistent to prevent the floor from expanding and contracting. You should also avoid placing the floor in areas that are exposed to extreme temperatures, such as a sunroom or a basement.

How to Repair Laminate Flooring That Has Come Apart

If your laminate flooring has already started to come apart, there are a few things you can do to repair it:

  • Realign the planks: If the planks have simply shifted out of alignment, you can try to realign them by tapping them back into place with a hammer.
  • Reseal the seams: If the seams have come apart, you can reseal them with a laminate flooring adhesive.
  • Replace the planks: If the planks are damaged or broken, you will need to replace them. You can purchase replacement planks at most home improvement stores.

Key Points

Laminate flooring is a beautiful and affordable option for homeowners, but it’s important to understand the causes of laminate flooring coming apart and how to prevent it from happening. By following the tips in this guide, you can keep your laminate floor looking its best for years to come.

What People Want to Know

Q: Why does my laminate floor keep coming apart at the seams?
A: The seams can come apart if they are not properly sealed. You can reseal the seams with a laminate flooring adhesive.

Q: Why does my laminate floor keep coming apart in the corners?
A: The corners can come apart if the planks are not properly aligned. You can realign the planks by tapping them back into place with a hammer.

Q: Why does my laminate floor keep coming apart in the middle?
A: The middle of the floor can come apart if the planks are not properly supported. You can add additional support by installing a vapor barrier under the floor.

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Mark Evans

Mark Evans is the owner and operator of Nesting Nicely home paint blog. With over 15 years of experience in the painting industry, he is passionate about helping homeowners find the right paint colors and solutions for their living spaces. Mark got his start in the family painting business and has since grown Nesting Nicely to be a top resource for home painting projects both large and small. When he isn't blogging, you can find Mark working with clients one-on-one to help transform their homes with the perfect coat of paint. He lives in small town America with his wife Sarah and their two children.
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