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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.
We are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our friendly experts or call us today at 1-800-520-0961.
[…] Through caulking the expansion spaces between walls and fixtures, you can maintain the laminate floor in peak condition by keeping water from reaching areas most vulnerable to water infiltration. […]
[…] How do you waterproof laminate flooring? => How to make laminate flooring joints more waterproof via Bestlaminate […]
Our contractor glued our non waterproof laminate to the subfloor. At this point is there anything we can do to waterproof the joints? Also does anyone know what will clean the floor. Bona doesn’t work, no matter how hard I work at it. From an angle every swipe of the mop, every footprint-everything shows up like a shadow from an angle.
Hi Bee, thanks for your question. First, I am afraid that glueing the floor to the subfloor was the first big mistake. Do you know if he also glued the joints? Other than that, there is really no way to waterproof a laminate other than using caution. You may want to use rugs in places prone to water, such as by the sink or foyer. For cleaning, you can find all of our tips here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/help/how-to-clean-laminate-flooring/
I have a laminate click plank floor. It was installed a couple of months ago. My question is can I use something on the joints to make it water proof like Thompson’s water seal, so water if spilled will not be absorbed and save my lamente floor.
Hi Wayne, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately there is nothing you can use on the surface to make the floor and joints more moisture resistant. If you have areas of concern, for example a kitchen or bathroom, we recommend using wood glue during installation. You can add some glue in the joints, and this will make the surface and joints more resistant to any spills. Since your floor is already installed, you would have to take it apart and reinstall using the glue. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
I appreciate this information about how to make laminate flooring joints more waterproof. I was unaware that glue could be a successful solution for this project. It is good to know that one must pay attention and not glue the laminate to the sub floor. It would be good to consider professional help in carrying out this process to ensure quality work.
Glad it was helpful Jade! Many of our customers opt for professional help with installation, but as long as you follow the manufacturer instructions, you will be fine.