Laminate floor swelling or peeling

Symptoms

• Boards look puffy or raised at the seams
• Edges curling upward slightly
• Laminate surface layer peeling away from the core
• Often near a kitchen, bathroom, or entryway

Likely causes

• CommonWater sitting on the laminate surface or seeping into a seamLaminate's core is wood-fiber based and swells quickly when it absorbs water, unlike solid or engineered wood.
• CommonWet mopping instead of damp moppingExcess water used during cleaning is a very common cause of long-term swelling.
• PossibleA leak from an appliance, pipe, or window nearbyA slow, unnoticed leak can swell laminate before it's obvious there's a water source.
• Less commonHigh humidity combined with unsealed seamsChronic humidity can occasionally contribute, though laminate is generally less moisture-sensitive from the air than from direct water.

What to do

1. Identify and stop the water source right away, whether it's a cleaning habit, appliance leak, or window/door leak.
2. Dry the surface and surrounding area thoroughly with towels and fans.
3. Understand that laminate which has already swollen typically will not flatten back out once dry, unlike some solid wood cupping.
4. Assess how many boards are affected; laminate is installed in a floating format and individual damaged planks can usually be replaced.
5. To replace a plank in the middle of the floor, it's often necessary to disassemble the floor back to that point, or use a specialized mid-floor plank replacement technique involving cutting the damaged plank into pieces to remove it.
6. Install the replacement plank(s), reversing the disassembly, and reconnect the click-lock seams.
7. Switch to a damp (not wet) mop and address any known leak source to prevent recurring damage.

Tools and parts

• Fans
• Utility knife
• Pry bar

When to call a pro

Call a flooring installer for replacing planks in the middle of a room, since it involves careful disassembly of the floating floor.

Safety