Installing laminate flooring is an incredible way to flaunt your floors with the most promising serviceability. They can be used as the most realistic designs of high-end luxury floors. Laminate floors function well under all circumstances because of their resilient build quality.
When discussing waterproof laminate flooring, the resilience of the laminate flooring relies on its ability to bear moisture or the damage of moisture. According to its structural design, laminate flooring is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. It’s because it’s composed of recycled wood materials and MDF substrates.
If you want to make the laminate flooring waterproof, make it work efficiently so that it is not affected by water damage. This guide will help you in this sense. So, let’s get started!
Common Questions About Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
Before we jump on to the methods of “how to waterproof laminate flooring’, here are some interesting and frequently asked concerns about Laminate Flooring. Plus, they can give you clear information regarding laminate flooring.
Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
Laminate flooring is water resistant to some extent but not waterproof because it’s made of recycled materials and divided into layers.
People confuse water resistance with waterproofing. Let’s clear this out by looking at the key differentiation between waterproof and water-resistant:
| Water-Resistant Flooring | Waterproof Laminate Flooring |
| Water-resistant floors tend to withstand water for a limited period and can’t bear the water in the long term. | Waterproof laminate floors are those that don’t get affected in any way, no matter how much water comes in contact with them. |
Does Waterproof Laminate Flooring Exist?
No, waterproof laminate flooring doesn’t exist because of its composition. Even the top-grade manufacturers aren’t recommended to be exposed to moisture for a long period. So, how to waterproof laminate flooring. There are some ways. Before studying that, these are some points to consider:
- Laminate Flooring isn’t structurally waterproof because it is made from recycled materials.
- It is possible to waterproof Laminate Flooring from the top but not below because of its layer.
Is Laminate Flooring Vulnerable To Water Damage?
Yes, laminate flooring is vulnerable to water damage because of the materials it is composed of. However, the top eco-friendly melamine layer can be highly resistant to any damage; the core certainly isn’t that tough. The following are some explanations for this:
- The click-and-lock system of laminate flooring is not a very secure structure of joints; it serves as a passage for water flow.
- If laminate flooring is made from wood fibers with a lot of moisture, there’s a higher chance that the top layer won’t stick well.
- Once a Laminate Flooring has been water-damaged, it can’t be fixed potentially except for replacing planks.
How to Seal Laminate Flooring?
It is necessary to tackle water moisture. Following are the ways to seal laminate flooring with just a few simple and smart steps.
Utilizing Silicon Protection to Seal Laminate Flooring
Use silicone as a binding element for Laminate Flooring. Consider getting the best quality sealants like Red Devil 0820 Silicone Sealant, GE Sealants Adhesives GE112A, All Purpose Silicone 1 Sealant, and J–B Weld 31312.
Expansion Gap Caulking to Seal Laminate Flooring
Caulk is a protective barrier against water penetration for laminate flooring. Besides moisture, it also saves the flooring from damage caused by smoke and dust. So, how to waterproof laminate flooring using expansion gaps. You need to caulk all the expansion gaps in your flooring to protect them against several harmful factors. Get your floors’ best quality caulk items, like Sashco 10008 BigStretch Caulk, ClickSeal Click Joint Sealant, and ColorSeal Oak.
Polyurethane Top Coating to Seal Laminate Flooring
Having a top coating on your laminate flooring may seem unnecessary, but doing that can change how your laminate flooring works and lasts. It’s an excellent way to give laminate floors a smooth and glossy finish. Polyurethane is the all-time best recommendation when it comes to protecting Laminate Floors against damage caused by water.
Polyurethane Coats must be applied by a mop since the resin coating on laminate flooring can make it difficult for the polyurethane to adhere. Also, ensure maximum time for drying. Always get polyurethane that is compatible with the type of flooring or the one recommended by the manufacturer. To ensure a double coating for adequate results.
Locking Mechanism Sealing to Seal Laminate Flooring
The advantage of sealing the locking mechanism of laminate flooring is that it is much easier to lift the planks if necessary for maintenance.
PVA Type II Glue is an effective way to protect laminate flooring against moisture damage. When getting PVA Type II glue, get the one in bottled packaging that shouldn’t be squeezing out too much product in a single attempt.
The PVA Type II glue covers the meeting point of two laminate planks. This implies that locking mechanism sealing should preferably be done during flooring installation.
Hydroseal Application to Seal Laminate Flooring
Hydro Seal is applied to the grooves of the Laminate Floor and its surface to improve the resistance extent. It works like the Hydro Seal Technology, making it a waterproofing addition to your flooring.
Hydroseal coating increases laminate flooring lifespan by 10 years. It is one of the most efficient ways of waterproofing laminate flooring since it guarantees maximum functional and durability results.
Additional Tips and Tricks on How to Seal Laminate Flooring
Consider these additional tips and tricks to get the best laminate flooring experience:
- Waterproofing laminate flooring is worth the benefits. It will save you from reasonable maintenance expenditures on the flooring.
- You can find good discounts on waterproof laminate flooring offered by many manufacturers.
- Appropriate and accurate cleaning is the key to making your Laminate Floors last long and durable.
- Clear out the slightest spills and splashes because it can result in huge damage over time.
- Look for any leakage in your home and fix it immediately to save your laminate flooring.
- Try to keep dirt and dust at bay as much as possible. You can achieve this by placing doormats and carpets.
Conclusion
There are many ways to waterproof laminate flooring with our pro flooring guide. If you are still thinking about how to seal laminate flooring, you can use sealant products to seal laminate flooring. You can also use waterproof laminate underlayment, silicone caulk, and many other water-resistant laminate products. You can seal the edges of your laminate flooring through proper installation techniques. Additionally, you can apply moisture-resistant sealers, regular cleaning and maintenance products, waterproof joint sealers, and vapor barrier installation. Maintenance is the key; try to keep your floor from getting wet for any reason, and don’t forget to clean and maintain the floor regularly. Don’t let any stain or drop of water stay on the floor for too long.
FAQs
Is it okay to put a clear coat over laminate flooring?
Applying a clear coat sealant to seal laminate flooring to make waterproof laminate flooring. Sealing the whole Laminate floor surface effectively and saving it from damage is an effective idea. A Polyurethane coating is the best example.
What sealants are used for laminate flooring?
Due to highly favorable outcomes, silicone Caulking and Polyurethane Coating are the two best options to seal laminate flooring. However, it’s always best to read the manufacturer’s guidelines for checking compatibility.
Can you wax laminate flooring?
Waxing is not recommended for Laminate Floors since it can lead to dulling out of the Laminate surface. It leaves a residue that attracts dirt buildup. The endpoint is an unpleasant-looking Laminate Flooring with a cloudy film on top.
How do you protect laminate flooring in the bathroom?
If you know how to seal laminate flooring, you can protect it to use in the bathroom. Waterproof Silicone Caulk is what you’ll need to protect your Laminate Flooring in the bathroom right after its installation. Silicone is a highly flexible and impenetrable material to waterproof laminate flooring.
Is laminate flooring OK to be used in bathrooms?
It is fine to use laminate flooring in bathrooms since it comes with a relatively water-resistant structure in the first place. However, such installation can only prove favorable if you check your flooring’s contact with water.
What to put under waterproof laminate flooring?
In most cases, waterproof laminate floorings come with an attached underlayment, so you don’t need to apply anything additional. However, when you get Laminate flooring without an underlay, you must consider buying it and placing it underneath your flooring.
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