3 Easy Ways to Fix Laminate Floor Gaps
Discovering gaps on your laminate floor is both disappointing and annoying. They may have been caused by improper installation or exposure to heat or cold. No matter the reason, they require your immediate attention.
Leaving these gaps unattended can lead to serious problems like chipping or exposing the floor to water. You may even have to go through the painstaking process of reinstalling the entire floor. So, it is always advisable to fix gaps as soon as you spot them.
But, can you fix them on your own? While the gap is still small, you can. Find out how.
Quick and Effective Ways to Fix Laminate Floor Gaps
Laminate flooring is one of the most preferred flooring solutions among homeowners because it is affordable and durable. However, gaps between laminate planks sometimes occur which can lead to serious flooring concerns if left unaddressed.
Want to know how to fix laminate floor gaps? Here are three simple ways.
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Use Floor Gap Fixer
A floor gap fixer is one of the best tools to close gaps in floating floors. It is available in a compact, rectangular size which is strong enough to put the slipped plank back into its original position.
Method:
- Vacuum debris and clean up dust with a cloth in the affected area.
- Peel off the plastic sheet from the floor gap fixer to reveal the adhesive.
- Place it at the centre of the flooring plank about an inch from the gap and press it so that it sticks properly.
- Hold the fixer firmly in position and use a rubber mallet to strike its ends until the gap closes.
- Remove and repeat for all gaps.
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Apply Wood Glue
Wood glue is super adhesive and can stick laminate planks together, thereby fixing the gaps between them. It is advisable to use wood glue brands like Gorilla Glue or Titebond III for effective results.
Method:
- Take a slightly damp cloth to clean the gaps in between the planks. This allows the adhesive to work better.
- Fill the gap by applying generous amounts of glue.
- Since wood glue dries fast, join the separated planks together quickly but carefully. Once you have placed the planks, tap with a mallet to secure its position and make sure no gaps are left.
- Remove excess glue from the floor’s surface.
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Remove the Baseboard
Sometimes lateral gaps occur on the entire floor due to severe climatic conditions. In such cases, closing individual laminate planks will not be effective. Instead, each row needs to be fixed.
This can be done by removing the baseboard moulding. However, it is recommended that you consult with a flooring specialist before proceeding with this step.
Method:
- Use a knife and pry bar to remove the baseboard moulding of the damaged area.
- With the advice of a flooring specialist, remove planks with significant gaps.
- Be sure to check the tongue and grooves for damage.
- Connect the planks properly if they are in good condition. Otherwise, replace the damaged ones before placing them.
It is not uncommon to see gaps developing in laminate flooring after a certain period of time. However, now that you know how to fix them, you won’t have to worry. If you have severe laminate flooring issues, it is best to hire a professional. Be sure to maintain your laminate flooring and don’t leave any gaps open for long. This will save you the trouble and cost of replacing the entire floor.
