You might be wondering whether laminate flooring peels, the truth is; laminate flooring peels due to a number of reasons.
Although Laminate flooring is designed to be durable and resistant to wear, but under certain circumstances, it can peel.
However, it’s important to note that high-quality laminate flooring, when properly installed and maintained, is less likely to experience peeling.
Top 8 reasons why laminate flooring peels off:
Here are key factors that can contribute to peeling in your laminate flooring:
1.Insufficient Moisture Protection:
Inadequate moisture protection is a primary cause of laminate floor peeling. First, the moisture seeps through the seams or edges of the flooring.
When exposed to excessive moisture, the laminate layers can absorb water, leading to swelling and separation.
Proper installation with moisture barriers, such as high-quality underlayment and effective sealing, helps safeguard against water damage, reducing the risk of peeling.
2.Improper Installation Techniques:
Incorrect installation practices significantly contribute to laminate floor peeling.
When installers fail to apply sufficient adhesive or neglect proper acclimation of the flooring to the environment, the planks may not securely bond, making them susceptible to separation and peeling.
You must also understand the time you need to give your laminate flooring to settle before walking over it.
3.Subfloor Irregularities:
Irregularities in the subfloor, such as uneven surfaces, loose floorboards, or damaged areas, can cause stress on the laminate flooring, leading to peeling over time.
The presence of bumps or depressions may weaken the bond between the planks and the subfloor, making them prone to separation.
Always ensure proper subfloor preparation before the installation of your flooring to prevent
4. Heavy Foot Traffic and Furniture:
Laminate flooring in high-traffic areas or those subjected to heavy furniture loads may experience increased stress, accelerating wear and tear, and potentially causing peeling.
Over time, the constant pressure and friction from foot traffic or heavy furniture can weaken the bond between the laminate layers, leading to separation.
You should always use protective pads or felt under furniture legs and taking measures to minimize abrasive actions safeguards against peeling.
5. Low-Quality Laminate Materials:
The quality of laminate flooring you choose can significantly impact its durability and resistance to peeling.
Inferior-quality laminate flooring is more susceptible to peeling due to subpar construction or inadequate bonding between the layers.
Low-quality laminate tends to have a thin wear layer (only 2 mils thick) which is prone to peeling, wear and tear, and eventual damage.
Simply dragging the furniture or high foot traffic is enough to quickly wear down the layer which compromises its capability to protect the underlying layers.
Besides, the low-quality laminate comes with a core material that is of lower quality. This results to its lack of necessary density and durability.
For instance, low-quality laminate made of low-density fiberboard (LDF) is prone to peeling, warping and tearing compared to high-density fiberboard (HDF) cores found in high-quality laminates.
At the same time, low-quality laminate floors may have inadequate bonding agents or construction methods that compromise the integrity of the flooring.
Consequently, this flaw in the manufacturing results in the layers rapidly separating over time, which creates room for peeling.
Finally, you should note that low-quality laminate lacks manufacturer’s warranty or only have limited coverage.
This is the first red flag which informs you as a buyer that the manufacturer has low confidence in their flooring product’s durability and resistance to peeling.
6. Environmental Factors:
Extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity can impact the stability of your laminate flooring, potentially leading to peeling.
According to a study published in the Journal of Building Physics, excessive moisture or high humidity levels can lead to surface deformations and joint opening in laminate flooring systems
Excessive heat or cold can cause the laminate planks to expand or contract, creating stress on the joints and adhesive.
Such stress affects the dimensional stability of the laminate flooring and weakens the bonds which increase the likelihood of peeling.
For instance, in regions with harsh winters, laminate flooring installed near doors and windows where there is significant temperature variation, the laminate is at high risk of peeling due to the expansion and contraction caused by the cold outdoor air.
At the same time, high humidity fluctuations also affect laminate. The high humidity causes laminate to absorb moisture and expand.
On the other hand, low humidity causes the laminate to dry out and contract.
Such fluctuations strain the joints and the adhesive, increasing the tendency of the floor to peel.
Maintaining a stable indoor climate through proper ventilation, temperature control, and humidity management helps mitigate the risk of peeling.
For example, in coastal regions, laminate flooring installed in bathrooms and basements without proper moisture barriers, experiences increased moisture absorption, and peels faster.
7. Chemical Damage
Harsh cleaning agents or chemical spills can significantly damage the protective layer of laminate flooring, compromising its integrity and potentially causing peeling.
Harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or solvents can damage the protective layer of laminate flooring and weaken its structure.
These chemicals can strip away the protective finish, leaving the flooring vulnerable to peeling and other forms of deterioration.
8.Aging and Wear:
Over time, your laminate flooring will start to show signs of wear and aging, making it more prone to peeling.
Continuous foot traffic, impacts, or repeated friction from abrasive materials can wear down the protective layer, weakening the bond between the layers and leading to peeling.
Regular maintenance of your laminate floor, such as promptly repairing any scratches or chips, can help prolong the lifespan of the floor and reduce the risk of peeling.
9.Improper Maintenance:
Neglecting proper maintenance practices can contribute to laminate floor peeling.
Failing to clean up spills promptly, using excessive water during cleaning, or not following manufacturer-recommended care instructions can allow moisture to seep into the seams and edges, causing the layers to separate.
Adhering to appropriate maintenance routines, including gentle cleaning and promptly addressing spills, helps preserve the integrity of the flooring.
How to safeguard laminate floor from peeling?
1.Moisture Protection.
To prolong the durability of your laminate, you have to deliberately protect the floor from moisture.
Ensure that during the laminate installation process, you or your professionals use effective moisture barriers including underlayment and proper sealing.
You must also carry out proper moisture testing on the subfloor before the final installation. Such tests include:
Besides, you should also always avoid prolonged water spills on the laminate, excessive mopping, and prolonged exposure to moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
For such areas, you can use waterproof laminate, and in the event that you already installed the water-resistant laminates, you can learn how to waterproof this type of laminate.
2.Proper and Professional Installation.
You have to ensure that in the case that you are doing a DIY Installation of the laminate, you follow the manufacturer’s guideline, use the right tools, and do correct installation.
Otherwise, if you are in doubt of your skills and knowledge, you should contract professional installers.
It is important to also ensure that you are using the recommended adhesive, ensure proper subfloor preparation, and acclimatization of the flooring to the environment.
A secure and stable installation minimizes the risks of peeling and saves you unnecessary flooring repair and replacement costs.
3.Proper Subfloor Preparation
The subfloor serves as your foundation for the laminate flooring, a reason why it is important to prepare it properly for a stable installation.
It’s crucial to prepare the subfloor adequately before installation, addressing any issues to provide a stable foundation for the laminate flooring.
These are the key steps in proper preparation of the laminate flooring subfloor:
- clean and remove all debris by thoroughly cleaning the floor to remove dust, dirt, and any other particles.
- Inspect the subfloor for any imperfections and fix them
- Use moisture meter to ensure the right moisture content
- Install an underlayment
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
Read our step-by-step guide on how to prepare laminate flooring subfloors.
4.Undertake deliberate protective measures:
I always protect my laminate flooring since I know the high cost I incurred while installing the flooring in my five-bedroom home.
I always take preventative measures to protect my laminate flooring from any potential damage.
One of the easiest things you can do is to place doormats at entryways to trap dirt and prevent abrasive particles from scratching the surface.
You should also use furniture pads or felt protectors under the legs of heavy furniture to avoid excessive pressure and friction on the floor.
If you are installing laminate over a concrete subfloor, use high-quality underlayment or moisture barriers.
Also avoid dragging heavy and sharp objects across the laminate surface to prevent peeling.
5. Choose High-Quality Laminate Flooring:
Invest in high-quality laminate flooring from reputable brands known for their durability and reliability.
Quality laminates are designed with better adhesion and construction, reducing the risk of peeling.
Research different brands, read customer reviews, and choose products with good warranties to ensure you’re purchasing a reliable and long-lasting laminate floor.
Opting for reputable brands and high-quality products reduces the risk of peeling, as they are engineered to withstand wear and maintain better adhesion between the layers, ensuring the longevity of the floor.
6. Maintain Moderate Indoor Climate:
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can impact the stability of laminate flooring.
Maintain a moderate indoor climate by using heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to control temperature and humidity levels.
Avoid exposing laminate flooring to excessive heat, cold, or humidity, as these conditions can lead to peeling.
7.Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
Implement a regular cleaning routine to keep your laminate floor in good condition.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can cause scratches or wear on the surface.
Use a damp mop or microfiber cloth with a manufacturer-approved laminate floor cleaner to remove spills and stains.
Avoid using excessive water or wet mopping, as moisture can seep into the seams and cause peeling.
Besides, you should perform regular maintenance tasks to keep your laminate floor in optimal condition.
Repair any scratches, chips, or dents promptly using a laminate floor repair kit or contacting a professional if necessary.
By addressing minor issues promptly, you can prevent them from worsening and potentially leading to peeling.
8. Promptly Address Spills and Moisture:
Accidental spills or moisture incidents should be addressed promptly to prevent water from penetrating the laminate layers.
Wipe up spills immediately using a clean, dry cloth. If moisture is present, thoroughly dry the affected area to prevent water from seeping into the joints and causing peeling.
9. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Harsh cleaning agents, wax-based products, or abrasive chemicals can damage the protective layer of laminate flooring, making it more susceptible to peeling.
Use only manufacturer-recommended cleaning products specifically formulated for laminate floors. Test any new cleaning product in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire floor.
10. Choose High-Quality Laminate Flooring:
Invest in high-quality laminate flooring from reputable brands known for their durability and reliability.
Quality laminates are designed with better adhesion and construction, reducing the risk of peeling.
Research different brands, read customer reviews, and choose products with good warranties to ensure you’re purchasing a reliable and long-lasting laminate floor.
Conclusion
By following these preventative measures and practicing proper maintenance, you can significantly reduce the chances of peeling in your laminate flooring.
Implementing these strategies helps preserve the beauty, durability, and longevity of your laminate floor, ensuring it remains an attractive and functional part of your home.
