Laminate Flooring Repair Tips
It is better to be proactive than reactive in terms of maintaining your laminate flooring and best to start at the beginning. Make sure your floor is installed properly to prevent structural problems later on.
Laminate flooring should be swept and vacuumed regularly. Mop it with a damp rag or micro-fiber sprayed with a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. If you spill water or any type of liquid on the floor, wipe it up immediately to prevent discoloration and seeping into the underlayment. Do not use detergents or vinegar to clean your flooring as these agents can dull the finish.
The most common floor damage is scratching caused by dirt, shoes and pets. It is a good idea to include extra laminate planks in your original purchase order so that you can replace a plank yourself without having to call for professional assistance. Alternatively, you can purchase a laminate floor repair kit at most flooring and hardware stores. Make sure to take a sample of your flooring material along so you can match the kit to the shade of your floor. You can also buy special markers or pencils that hide marks and fill up small holes. This video features FloorFil, a laminate floor repair/filler:
If a section of your floor is so badly damaged that a repair kit can’t help, more serious action is needed. Remove the molding closest to the damaged area and begin loosening the flooring, which should be easily removable if it was installed through the floating technique. If the flooring is glued down, it will take more time and effort to pry it off the underlayer. Be sure to prevent any damage to the surrounding planks and carefully replace all damaged planks and the molding. Wipe off any excess glue immediately; you may need wood putty to cover any visible wood glue.
When you have extensive laminate flooring damage and you sense that repair is beyond your ability, consult a professional. The advantage of laminate flooring is that it is not too hard to replace it, especially when it is done by a professional installer. Check your warranty for applicable provisions.
