Laminate floor water damage is among the most common forms of property damage new homeowners face in Morris County, NJ.
It typically occurs as a result of heavy rainfall, a pipe burst, or a leaking appliance that sends water all over the floors of your home.
Fast water cleanup is critical in these scenarios. Even if you’re quick, you may still wonder if the water damage has already set in.
These are the signs of laminate floor water damage to look for after a flood or water spill.
Buckling or Bubbling
When a laminate floor becomes soaked, it can begin to warp.
As the floor absorbs water, you may begin to see pockets of water or bubbles form, such as in the picture below:
You will almost always see these bubbles of water damage form at the seams of your laminate flooring.
This is because liquid has seeped into the locking areas between the planks of flooring. It’s also why you should avoid stepping on a water damaged floor as it will only spread the damage.
Cracks or Discoloration
When water seeps through the cracks between your laminate floor planks, this can cause damage to the subfloor beneath.
This can cause cracks in your laminate flooring, or can raise the planks or start to create gaps.
If your planks feel loose or you notice a space growing between a spot on the floor, it can mean water was not completely removed during cleanup.
Smell of Mildew or Mold
Sometimes homeowners may think they’ve properly removed the water after a flood scenario, only to discover a smell of mildew or mold some days later.
In these cases, it’s clear that moisture was not entirely removed from the laminate flooring.
This increased moisture level will quickly encourage mold growth and that can continue to spread, causing damage to flooring and even causing health issues for occupants of the building.
Who to Call for Laminate Floor Water Damage
The nice thing about laminate flooring is problematic areas can be removed and replaced.
However, if water damage is left to sit too long, it can easily lead to an entire room requiring new flooring.
After a flood or water damage scenario, it’s critical to call a disaster restoration team for fast water extraction.
This is the best way to ensure the moisture is entirely removed. Otherwise you may begin to smell mold or mildew in the following days, or notice bubbles or pockets buckling begin to form.
ServiceMaster by Timeless is an IICRC-certified water restoration firm and understands the importance of fast and effective water cleanup.
That’s why we are available 24/7 for residents of Morristown, NJ and nearby cities in Morris County.
Our technicians will arrive quickly to extract water, dry and dehumidify the affected area, and ensure that all moisture is removed from flooring, drywall, and other surfaces.
Call us at (973) 554-3002 for certified water damage restoration services.
