How to Waterproof Laminate Flooring

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Laminate flooring has become very popular nowadays. There’s no doubt about it. There are several reasons for this.

The main reason is that it’s very affordable in comparison to other types of flooring. It’s also relatively easy to install.

Consider this, along with the fact that laminate flooring is not only attractive but extremely durable, not to mention resistant to pressure. It’s also water-resistant, which is another advantage.

Water-Resistant Doesn’t Mean Waterproof

You must remember that you can’t expect your laminate flooring to be waterproof in all circumstances.

To make sure that your brand’s newly installed flooring is fully waterproof, you need to take on the responsibility to waterproof your laminate flooring.

This is especially important in the case of kitchen and bathroom flooring, which is always under extra pressure from the water, particularly the bathroom flooring.

Having taken the trouble and expense to install laminate flooring at home, the last thing you’ll want to deal with in the future is the bending, warping, and rotting of floorboards that occurs when your flooring is not waterproofed at the outset.

Make a Decision to Waterproof your Laminate Flooring

So let’s investigate the ways to correctly laminate your newly-installed laminate flooring. It may take some time, trouble, and expense in the beginning, but your flooring will thank you in the future.

It will successfully resist the onslaught of time and water. Now, bear in mind that there’s more than one way to waterproof laminate flooring.

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for waterproofing your flooring. Different methods suit different types of laminate floors. Check all the methods before deciding on one.

Methods of Waterproofing Laminate Flooring

There are several methods by which you can waterproof your laminate flooring. Here are some of them.

  • Buy Waterproof Laminate Flooring: This is probably the best possible way to laminate your floor. The fact that waterproof laminate flooring is actually quite affordable makes this choice a no-brainer. It will save you a lot of time and work. So if the type of laminate flooring you require is available already waterproofed, you should go for it.
  • Use Silicone Sealant: Silicone is a flexible material that can be used to fill up the gaps in the floor inside which water can hide and cause long-term damage and rotting. There is quite a choice of silicone sealants available on the market, so be sure to choose the one that’s most appropriate for your floor. You may need professional advice about this. Check with the company from where you purchased the flooring, to be extra sure. Once you’ve purchased your sealant, plug those gaps as soon as you can.
  • Coat with Polyurethane: Coating your laminate flooring with polyurethane is a great way to protect it. An extra coating may seem unnecessary, but this one works great, especially on laminate floors that imitate the look of hardwood floors. The substance is usually applied with a mop and two coats are usually required to give a perfect and professional finish. Be a little thoughtful though, if you plan to choose this method of waterproofing. Recent reports suggest that this substance is a little too toxic for use with laminate flooring. So be sure to do your research and satisfy yourself that you’ve made the right decision.
  • Seal your Laminate Flooring with Caulk: Caulk is an alternative sealant to silicone, for sealing those gaps in your laminate flooring and preventing the entry of water, which can cause rotting and warping. Many homeowners prefer caulk to silicone, as caulk provides added protection against smoke and dust. It’s available in a variety of colours too, so you should be able to find one that matches your floor.
  • Seal the Locking Mechanisms with PVA Type II Glue: This is a way of sealing the flooring at the point where the planks meet. It’s also an effective way to waterproof your laminate flooring, should you choose this method.

Decide What Works Best for You

As you can see, there are several methods from which you can choose.

  1. Buy Waterproof Laminate Flooring
  2. Use Silicone Sealant
  3. Coat with Polyurethane
  4. Seal your Laminate Flooring with Caulk
  5. Seal the Locking Mechanisms with PVA Type II Glue

It’s up to each householder to decide what works best for them, regarding utility and affordability.

Once you’ve considered your individual circumstances and decided on a method, make sure that it’s carried out correctly.

That way, you can be sure that your newly-waterproofed and newly-installed laminated flooring will serve you well and retain its pristine beauty for years to come.