5 Ways on How to Make Laminate Flooring Waterproof

Laminate flooring is an affordable way to elevate the look of any room in your home. Some of its advantages include durability, easy installation, impact-resistance, and water-resistance.

But even with all these advantages, laminate flooring usually isn’t waterproof, making it more prone to warping, rotting, and bending.

So how can you prevent your laminate flooring from warping, rotting, and bending? You can try these five methods to make your laminate flooring waterproof: 

1. Use Silicone to Prevent Damage
2. Caulk the Expansion Gap
3. Cover the Top Coat With Polyurethane
4. Seal the Locking Mechanisms
5. Buy Waterproof Flooring

Tips to Make Laminate Flooring Waterproof

Waterproofing your laminate floors allows it to last longer as well as keep its elegant look. This is important for laminate flooring installed in dining rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms where there is more water usage. Regular laminate flooring can also be a problem for people who live in areas that have high moisture and humidity. Here are tips on how you can waterproof your laminate flooring: 

1. Use Silicone to Prevent Damage

Silicone is a flexible and malleable material that binds together. You can use it to seal any gaps that serve as spaces for water to seep in and cause damage. There are a variety of silicone sealants available on the market so make sure to choose one that is specific for your floors. Some silicone sealants you can use include:

2. Caulk the Expansion Gap

Aside from silicone, caulk is another kind of sealant that prevents the entry of water in your laminate floors. Caulking the expansion gap of your floor also protects it from smoke, moisture, and dust making it a better material than silicone. And unlike silicone, it is easier to paint over areas that are filled in with caulk. Here are some caulk items you can buy online to waterproof the floor:

3. Cover the Top Coat With Polyurethane

Coating your laminate flooring with a top coat may seem like an unnecessary process, but it’s a great way to protect the floor’s overall area. One of the best materials to use as coating floors is polyurethane. Aside from protecting floors from water damage, polyurethane provides your floor with a glossy, smooth finish. This is great for laminate floors that mimic the look of hardwood floors.  

When using polyurethane, it is important to know that it does not adhere well to the resin coat on laminate flooring so you have to apply it with a mop and let it dry. Polyurethane usually requires two coats to work, so repeat this process twice or follow the suggestion of the manufacturer. However, there have been some reports that polyurethane can be toxic to laminate flooring, so do you research beforehand before applying it.  

4. Seal the Locking Mechanisms

Another way to improve the water-resistance of laminate flooring is to seal the locking mechanisms using PVA Type II glue. Make sure to choose a glue that comes in a bottle that doesn’t squeeze too much product out so you don’t end up with spots of dried adhesive. 

Applying this kind of product also allows you to seal the areas where the planks meet as you install it. Sealing the locking mechanisms allows you to lift the floors easily just in case you need to do so. 

5. Buy Waterproof Flooring

When you’re choosing a floor for kitchens, bathrooms, or dining areas, then it’s best to buy waterproof flooring beforehand so you don’t have to deal with any problems about water damage. Waterproof laminate flooring is also affordable, so it doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Due to the demands of the flooring industry, some brands are exploring other ways to provide waterproof flooring like changing the formulation of fiberboard. This kind of flooring is more scratch-resistant and is better at mimicking the look of wood and stone. 

What to Know Before Waterproofing Laminate Flooring

When waterproofing your laminate floors, there are some things you may want to consider before and after the process. One of the best ways to maintain the quality of your laminate floor is through proper cleaning. Here are some cleaning methods you can incorporate into your routine:

• Clean proactively. This means you should attend to any spills as soon as possible. 
• Always use clean water when mopping and be cautious as to not oversaturate the floor. 
• Avoid any unnecessary dirt from getting onto your floors. You can choose to wear clean shoes or place a doormat on your household’s entrance. 

Even though waterproof laminate flooring is already a great option for many households, it still has a number of limitations. In some cases, it’s better to choose a different kind of flooring instead. For example, vinyl flooring is more long-lasting and provides you with more mobility than laminate floors.

Professional Flooring Services at Zothex Flooring

To know the best methods to waterproof your laminate flooring, you may also consult with professionals. This can help you make better decisions on which kind of floor is best suited for your specific lifestyle. Here at Zothex Flooring, we provide personalized customer service to help you remodel and redesign your home. 

Our team is composed of artists who will help you choose the right kind of flooring for your house and offer different high-quality flooring options at affordable prices. We guarantee to provide excellent products and services depending on your needs. You may give us a call to know more about us and the services we offer. 

Learn more: Why Is My Laminate Floor Slippery?