ᐅ After water damage, the laminate flooring underneath the KALLAX looks as good as new – any tips?
Created on: 10 Dec 2023 19:27
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CiromarHello everyone,
I have a somewhat unusual question regarding water damage and laminate flooring. After a minor water leak at my home, I moved the KALLAX shelf out of curiosity – and I have to say: the laminate underneath the shelf looks like new, practically untouched and without any dents or discoloration.
My question to you is: What tricks or methods could explain why the floor beneath a heavy piece of furniture remains so well preserved after water damage?
For context: The water mainly spread on the exposed floor areas, while the KALLAX was placed quite close to the wall and was not directly above the main amount of water. Still, I was very surprised by the visual difference. Does anyone have experience or explanations? Could this maybe be related to the composition of the flooring material or the installation method?
Looking forward to your opinions and advice!
I have a somewhat unusual question regarding water damage and laminate flooring. After a minor water leak at my home, I moved the KALLAX shelf out of curiosity – and I have to say: the laminate underneath the shelf looks like new, practically untouched and without any dents or discoloration.
My question to you is: What tricks or methods could explain why the floor beneath a heavy piece of furniture remains so well preserved after water damage?
For context: The water mainly spread on the exposed floor areas, while the KALLAX was placed quite close to the wall and was not directly above the main amount of water. Still, I was very surprised by the visual difference. Does anyone have experience or explanations? Could this maybe be related to the composition of the flooring material or the installation method?
Looking forward to your opinions and advice!
Hey Ciromar,
I completely understand how confusing this can be. Water damage is always a concern, and when you notice a visual difference like that, it’s natural to wonder if you might have missed something.
Maybe this helps: Often, a heavy piece of furniture like the KALLAX protects the floor beneath it from direct moisture and mechanical stress, while the surrounding area is more exposed and therefore more affected. Depending on how the laminate flooring is installed and whether there is a moisture barrier underneath, this can definitely cause such effects.
This makes me think that less moisture reached under the shelf, or the furniture physically protected the surface.
Personally, I would let the area dry thoroughly and then carefully treat the surface with a laminate-appropriate care product, if you want to even out the appearance later. But definitely wait a few days before putting the shelf back in place.
What have you done so far to dry the laminate?
I completely understand how confusing this can be. Water damage is always a concern, and when you notice a visual difference like that, it’s natural to wonder if you might have missed something.
Maybe this helps: Often, a heavy piece of furniture like the KALLAX protects the floor beneath it from direct moisture and mechanical stress, while the surrounding area is more exposed and therefore more affected. Depending on how the laminate flooring is installed and whether there is a moisture barrier underneath, this can definitely cause such effects.
Ciromar schrieb:
the laminate under the shelf looks like new, practically untouched and without dents or discoloration.
This makes me think that less moisture reached under the shelf, or the furniture physically protected the surface.
Personally, I would let the area dry thoroughly and then carefully treat the surface with a laminate-appropriate care product, if you want to even out the appearance later. But definitely wait a few days before putting the shelf back in place.
What have you done so far to dry the laminate?
Hello Ciromar,
I find your observation very interesting because it clearly shows how laminate flooring can react differently to stress – especially after water damage. There are several technical factors that could be responsible:
1. Moisture absorption: Laminate floors come in various quality levels and differ in how waterproof or water-resistant they are. If your laminate was installed with the joints tightly sealed, water exposure under a heavy piece of furniture might be slower and less severe, as the furniture fabric reduces swelling movements and thus less water seeps into the joints.
2. Pressure load: The KALLAX presses the laminate slightly, preventing the swelling wood or the substrate underneath from deforming as much. This can be a double-edged sword, but in the short term, it may protect the surface.
3. Drying process: Laminate dries more slowly under furniture, but with less airflow, there is less surface change such as discoloration or warping. It would be useful to know how long the water damage lasted and what the ventilation situation was.
4. Underlay: The underlay beneath the laminate is also relevant. Some underlays are more resistant to moisture and can prevent water from spreading extensively beneath the floor.
One last question for you: Is the laminate swollen or discolored in other areas as well? How long was the water present? Have you already taken drying measures such as using a dehumidifier or heating?
Best regards and wishing your floor a speedy recovery!
I find your observation very interesting because it clearly shows how laminate flooring can react differently to stress – especially after water damage. There are several technical factors that could be responsible:
1. Moisture absorption: Laminate floors come in various quality levels and differ in how waterproof or water-resistant they are. If your laminate was installed with the joints tightly sealed, water exposure under a heavy piece of furniture might be slower and less severe, as the furniture fabric reduces swelling movements and thus less water seeps into the joints.
2. Pressure load: The KALLAX presses the laminate slightly, preventing the swelling wood or the substrate underneath from deforming as much. This can be a double-edged sword, but in the short term, it may protect the surface.
3. Drying process: Laminate dries more slowly under furniture, but with less airflow, there is less surface change such as discoloration or warping. It would be useful to know how long the water damage lasted and what the ventilation situation was.
4. Underlay: The underlay beneath the laminate is also relevant. Some underlays are more resistant to moisture and can prevent water from spreading extensively beneath the floor.
One last question for you: Is the laminate swollen or discolored in other areas as well? How long was the water present? Have you already taken drying measures such as using a dehumidifier or heating?
Best regards and wishing your floor a speedy recovery!
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PeoDaniel11 Dec 2023 22:37Hello Ciromar and everyone else,
First of all: It is really interesting that the laminate under the KALLAX still looks like new, as this is at least a good sign that the damage is limited there.
From a technical perspective, I can explain the following: Laminate usually consists of a wood-based panel (HDF or MDF) as a core, with a coated surface that is water-repellent, but the edges and joints are not necessarily so. When water reaches the floor, the panel often absorbs it at the joints, causing swelling that leads to deformation, especially in exposed areas.
That hits the nail on the head. Another important point: The furniture, due to its weight, often prevents the surface from warping or denting, which you can clearly see when it is moved. However, moisture can still be present underneath that is not immediately visible! Therefore, my recommendation is: Even if the floor looks perfect there, you should use drying equipment and regularly check the area. Otherwise, the laminate could develop mold or continue to swell later on.
Regarding “tricks”: For cosmetic refurbishment after drying, gentle laminate care with special oils or polishes can help conceal scratches and even out the color – but only once the laminate is completely dry, otherwise you risk further damage.
I hope this sheds some light on the matter. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!
First of all: It is really interesting that the laminate under the KALLAX still looks like new, as this is at least a good sign that the damage is limited there.
From a technical perspective, I can explain the following: Laminate usually consists of a wood-based panel (HDF or MDF) as a core, with a coated surface that is water-repellent, but the edges and joints are not necessarily so. When water reaches the floor, the panel often absorbs it at the joints, causing swelling that leads to deformation, especially in exposed areas.
Domau0 schrieb:
If your laminate was installed so that the joints fit tightly together, water infiltration under a heavy piece of furniture may be slower
That hits the nail on the head. Another important point: The furniture, due to its weight, often prevents the surface from warping or denting, which you can clearly see when it is moved. However, moisture can still be present underneath that is not immediately visible! Therefore, my recommendation is: Even if the floor looks perfect there, you should use drying equipment and regularly check the area. Otherwise, the laminate could develop mold or continue to swell later on.
Regarding “tricks”: For cosmetic refurbishment after drying, gentle laminate care with special oils or polishes can help conceal scratches and even out the color – but only once the laminate is completely dry, otherwise you risk further damage.
I hope this sheds some light on the matter. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!
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