Is Your Laminate Floor Hiding Problems? Why Installation Matters

Laminate flooring offers a sleek, modern look that many Twin Falls homeowners love. It often seems like an accessible DIY project, promising a quick home upgrade. However, what lies beneath the surface (or rather, how the surface was laid) is crucial, especially when preventing costly water damage.

The Precision Puzzle of Laminate

Unlike some other flooring types, laminate requires careful attention during installation. Key aspects include:

• Expansion Gaps: Leaving the correct space around the perimeter allows the floor to expand and contract naturally with temperature and humidity changes. Too tight, and it buckles; too loose, and you have wide gaps.

• Sealing and Transitions: Properly sealing edges, especially in potentially wet areas like near doorways, kitchens, or bathrooms, is vital. Transitions between rooms or different flooring types also need to be installed correctly to prevent moisture seepage.

• Cutting Around Obstacles: Making precise cuts around posts, pipes, or cabinets (like the rough cut shown in the example image) is essential. Sloppy cuts leave gaps – direct invitations for water.

  
  

When DIY Goes Wrong: Opening the Floodgates

Improper installation, often a result of rushing a DIY job or lacking experience, frequently leads to gaps and unsealed edges. Every spill, mopping session, or even high humidity can introduce moisture into these openings. Because laminate's core is typically wood composite, it acts like a sponge once water gets past the protective top layer.

This hidden moisture can cause:

• Swelling, warping, and buckling of the laminate planks.

• Damage and rot to the underlying subfloor.

• Potential mold and mildew growth beneath the flooring.

These issues often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

Your Inspector's Eye

During a home inspection, we look closely at flooring installations. We check for signs of improper techniques, buckling, gaps, and moisture damage that might indicate hidden problems stemming from a poor installation job. Knowing the true condition of the flooring, beyond its surface appearance, is key to making an informed home purchase decision.

Don't let a beautiful floor hide an ugly secret. Ensure your potential new home's laminate was installed with care, or let us help you identify potential issues.