Why Your Laminate Floor Buckled Near the Sink or Dishwasher
If your laminate floor has raised edges or visible bumps near the kitchen sink or dishwasher, the cause is almost always moisture. The surface looks fine but water has seeped through the seams and reached the HDF core. Once the core swells, the damage is irreversible.
How Water Reaches the Core
Laminate seams are the weak point. Water from splashes, steam, or small leaks seeps through the gaps between planks. The surface may look dry but water collects at the edges and under the planks.
The HDF core begins absorbing water within 4 to 6 hours of exposure. The wood fibers swell. The edges of the planks rise. The floor becomes uneven.
Once the core moisture exceeds 18 percent, the swelling is permanent. Drying the surface does not help. The damaged planks must be replaced.
How to Prevent Buckling
Use a waterproof underlayment with sealed seams. Seal all edges with silicone caulk. Wipe spills immediately. Check under the sink regularly for slow leaks.
If you are installing new flooring in a kitchen, choose a water resistant laminate with 8 percent or lower swell rate. Better yet, choose SPC with 0 percent swell rate.
The swell rates tell the real story. Standard laminate swells 15 to 25 percent. Water resistant swells 8 to 12 percent. SPC swells 0 percent.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER offers kitchen suitable laminate at 5 to 8 percent swell rate and SPC with 0 percent swell. Contact us for product recommendations.
