When is it Time to Replace Laminate Flooring?
As durable as modern laminate flooring materials are, they certainly don't last forever. But how do you know when it's time to replace your laminate flooring? Are there specific things you should look for that can give you a clue as to how your floor is holding up? Yes, there are tell-tale signs that your flooring materials are deteriorating and are ready to be replaced. And recognizing the signs at an early stage can give you the extra time needed to plan for their replacement.
Bowing and Swelling
Laminate floor boards that show signs of swelling or bowing usually indicate that moisture has gotten in between the joints or seeped in underneath the floor. If it's simply a matter of water that entered the joints from above, you probably have nothing structural to worry about. Nonetheless, replacing just the damaged boards may not be possible. If the bowing or swelling is from water that has seeped up under the floor, that's an entirely different animal. In that case, there is probably significant damage to the sub-floor and any barrier between the two, necessitating a replacement of the entire floor.
Fading or Cloudy Finish
When laminate flooring materials first come from the factory they show a clear and bright finish that allows you to see the details of the wood grain or stone the manufacturer is mimicking. As laminate ages, the finish becomes cloudy and the colours become dull. Sometimes this is caused by improper cleaning techniques, but even so, age will always cause this problem. You can prolong the life of your laminate flooring with special finishes that can be purchased at your local home improvement store. But there will come a time when the cloudiness becomes permanent and the floor will need to be replaced.
Cracks or Other Signs of Dry Rot
Although it's extremely rare, laminate flooring is still subject to dry rot just as natural wood is. If you notice cracks developing in your floor boards, especially in areas close to exterior walls, you may be experiencing dry rot issues. If the damage is minor and confined to only a small area, it can sometimes be repaired without affecting the entire floor. But if dry rot is extensive, it is likely that you'll need to replace not only the laminate, but also the sub-floor underneath.
One final reason for replacing your laminate flooring has nothing to do with its age or deterioration. You may choose to replace it simply because you desire a new look. As inexpensive as laminate are compared to natural materials, replacing for this reason is not necessarily a bad idea. After all, it's your floor.