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Resource Center
Many homeowners wonder how to make laminate flooring joints more waterproof in rooms like the bathroom, kitchen and foyers where water is more prone. Generally, laminate flooring is not meant to be glued – however, in applications with high risk of moisture exposure, we do recommend gluing the joints. A good quality laminate glue and silicone caulk can help seal your laminate to help make it more resistant to moisture.
To seal laminate flooring joints, you will need to glue the locking system of the planks to create a more water-resistant connection, however do not glue your laminate to the subfloor as it needs to float. You will need a PVA Type II Glue when gluing laminate flooring planks. Choose one in a bottle, so you can regulate the amount of glue that comes out; you’ll need very little glue to complete the job. You can also use silicone caulk in the expansion gaps to prevent any moisture from leaking underneath the planks. This can be done in areas at risk to moisture damage, while still allowing the floor to float properly.
We do not recommend any type of surface coating on your laminate. Remember that laminate moves, this could potentially “glue” the planks in place.
If you have, or are planning to install laminate in moisture prone areas, there are additional precautions a homeowner can take to limit potential damage. First, we’d suggest opting for a square edge plank. Beveled planks can allow water to pool in the “V” indentation of the seams. With a square edge, you will have a non-existent seam that flows from one plank to the next.
Second, use rugs, especially in foyers and bathrooms. This will help to reduce the amount of water that the floor will see.
If you are installing in an area with high risk of moisture exposure, consider luxury vinyl plank flooring. This 100% water-resistant flooring is ideal for kitchen, bathroom and commercial applications. Water can be simply wiped up, and even in the worst case scenario of flooding, the flooring can be uninstalled, dried and re-installed like new. These floors are very stylish and durable, just like traditional laminates.
Be sure to always read your manufacturer’s warranty information to be sure your warranty won’t be voided by installing your laminate flooring in a moisture prone environment. If you have any more questions, write us in the comments below and we will help you!
Contact the Bestlaminate Flooring Experts today! Call us at 1-800-520-0961 or send us a quick message to get expert advice and answers.
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I just had expensive waterproof laminate flooring installed a couple of months ago. I am noticing that there is some water coming from the seams of the flooring near the sink area. 😢 I had a cushion mat in that area before, but it seemed to be collecting quite a bit of moisture so I removed it. What can I do to stop this problem?
Thanks for your question, Winnie. Unfortunately, this sounds like a repetitive issue that will continue if not addressed. We would suggest removing the laminate flooring and choosing a vinyl flooring material that is 100% waterproof and will not absorb this water.
Omg, I never knew that PVA Type II Glue worked for gluing laminate flooring planks!
Thank you so much for the insight. laminate flooring
Hello. We are just installing Quickstep studio laminate flooring – only to discover the seams are BEVELED. Hence dirt will collect and look bad. And liquids will collect also and be difficult to wipe up.
Can I apply a thin bead of clear silicone or wood putty to each seam just to fill it and prevent this issue? I am really upset I did not see it when I purchased and to return it and find other flooring at this time is not going to worlk.
Hi Linda, I would not recommend using any sort of putty to get rid of the bevel. This will void your warranty firstly and will cause damage to the floor. The floor will not be able to expand and contract which will cause cupping and buckling.