Can Water Get Under Waterproof Laminate Flooring?

When installing laminate flooring in your home, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms or kitchens, the term “waterproof” is highly appealing. However, does waterproof laminate truly live up to its name? Can water still get under this type of flooring, causing potential damage? Understanding the characteristics, limitations, and proper installation of waterproof laminate flooring is essential to protecting your investment.

In this post, we will dive into the critical details of waterproof laminate flooring, how it interacts with water, and tips for preventing water from getting underneath.

What Is Waterproof Laminate Flooring?

Waterproof laminate flooring is a durable and versatile flooring option designed to resist water penetration for a specified amount of time. Unlike traditional laminate flooring, which can swell and warp when exposed to moisture, waterproof laminate is engineered with special core materials and surface seals that help it withstand spills and moisture.

Waterproof laminate typically has three main layers:

1. Wear Layer: This is the top layer designed to protect the floor from scratches, stains, and spills. It’s a protective coating that makes the floor easier to clean and more resistant to minor damage.
2. Decorative Layer: Underneath the wear layer is the decorative layer, which gives the laminate its appearance. This layer is usually a high-definition image of wood, stone, or other natural materials, making laminate an affordable alternative to hardwood or tile.
3. Core Layer: The core is the heart of waterproof laminate flooring. It’s made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) or similar composite materials treated with resins that repel water. This layer is crucial to the water resistance of laminate, as it’s engineered to stay stable when exposed to moisture.

The waterproofing technology is designed to protect the surface of the flooring from liquid spills, but it’s essential to understand that this protection is not always extended to the spaces beneath the flooring.

How Does Water Get Under Waterproof Laminate Flooring?

Even though waterproof laminate flooring is designed to resist water on the surface, there are certain situations where water can still find its way underneath. The three most common ways this happens are through poor installation, gaps in seams, and subfloor issues.

1. Improper Installation

Laminate flooring typically uses a click-and-lock mechanism that secures the planks together without the need for nails or glue. While this system is designed to be water-resistant, it is crucial that the planks are installed correctly to prevent water from penetrating the joints.

If the flooring is not installed properly—leaving small gaps or seams between the planks—water can seep through those gaps and get trapped beneath the flooring. Over time, moisture can accumulate under the laminate, leading to mold growth, odors, or damage to the subfloor.

2. Gaps in the Seams

Waterproof laminate floors are resistant to water on the surface, but water can still seep into the seams between the planks, especially if the seams are not tightly sealed. Once water gets into these seams, it can settle underneath the laminate planks, causing potential problems such as:

• Mold Growth: Mold thrives in dark, damp environments. If water gets under your laminate flooring and doesn’t dry out properly, it creates an ideal environment for mold to grow. This can lead to health issues and unpleasant smells.
• Subfloor Damage: If the subfloor is made from wood, water that gets under laminate flooring can lead to rotting or warping over time. Even if the subfloor is concrete, water that pools under the laminate can cause damage and lead to an unstable surface.
• Delamination: Though laminate is designed to resist moisture on the surface, prolonged exposure to water underneath the flooring can lead to delamination, where the layers of the laminate separate. This can cause bubbling, warping, or buckling of the flooring.

3. Subfloor Issues

A poorly prepared or uneven subfloor can also be a culprit. If the subfloor is not perfectly level, small pockets or dips can create areas where water can pool. Waterproof laminate flooring will not protect against water that is already underneath it. If you install waterproof laminate over a subfloor with existing moisture problems, you’ll likely experience issues in the future.

Moisture from beneath can also rise through the subfloor, especially if the subfloor is not properly sealed or there is poor vapor barrier installation. This can happen in areas with high humidity or basements where moisture from the ground seeps up into the subfloor. Even waterproof laminate can’t prevent water vapor from penetrating from underneath.

Is Waterproof Laminate Truly Waterproof?

While waterproof laminate is water-resistant and designed to handle surface moisture, it is not impervious to all forms of water exposure. In high-moisture environments, like bathrooms or basements, water vapor or standing water can still cause problems beneath the surface of the flooring.

It is essential to note that “waterproof” typically refers to a product’s ability to repel water on the surface, not necessarily from beneath. Waterproof laminate floors are excellent for handling everyday spills, pet accidents, or the occasional water spill, but they are not designed to prevent damage from water that may seep into cracks, gaps, or underneath the flooring.

Preventing Water From Getting Under Waterproof Laminate Flooring

To ensure your waterproof laminate flooring performs as expected and prevents water from getting underneath, you can take the following precautions:

1. Ensure Proper Installation

The key to waterproofing laminate flooring is proper installation. Here are a few tips to avoid gaps and minimize the risk of water damage:

• Use Underlayment: Underlayment provides a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the laminate, adding an extra layer of protection against moisture. Ensure you use a high-quality underlayment with a vapor barrier to protect your flooring from subfloor moisture.
• Seal the Edges: For rooms with higher moisture exposure, such as kitchens or bathrooms, consider sealing the perimeter of the flooring with a waterproof sealant. This will prevent water from seeping under the edges of the flooring and getting trapped underneath.
• Install Tight Seams: Make sure the planks are tightly clicked together with no gaps. This will prevent water from seeping into the seams and getting trapped beneath the surface.

2. Avoid Standing Water

Even though waterproof laminate is designed to handle moisture, it’s best to avoid standing water. Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent water from pooling in the seams or edges of the flooring.

For rooms where water exposure is frequent, such as bathrooms, you may want to opt for vinyl flooring, which provides more extensive waterproof protection compared to laminate.

3. Address Subfloor Moisture

Before installing waterproof laminate, ensure the subfloor is completely dry and level. If you’re installing in a basement or another area with high humidity, consider using a vapor barrier or dehumidifier to control moisture levels. This will help prevent water from rising through the subfloor and causing problems beneath your laminate flooring.

4. Choose the Right Type of Flooring

While waterproof laminate is suitable for many rooms in your home, you may want to consider other flooring options for rooms with constant exposure to water, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. Waterproof vinyl flooring or ceramic tile are better choices for these environments as they offer superior water resistance, both on the surface and underneath.

Conclusion

Waterproof laminate flooring offers an excellent balance of durability, affordability, and water resistance, but it is not invincible. While it can resist water on its surface, water can still get underneath if it’s not installed properly or if precautions aren’t taken to prevent water infiltration. By ensuring proper installation, sealing edges, and protecting your subfloor, you can enjoy the many benefits of waterproof laminate flooring while minimizing the risk of water damage underneath.

For areas with high moisture exposure, it may be wise to explore alternatives like vinyl flooring or tile, which provide more comprehensive waterproof protection.