DIY guideFloors

Check laminate and vinyl seams for water and lifting

Water gets into a floating floor at its seams. Light them from the side, feel and press along them by the dishwasher, the sinks and the doors.

7 steps

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Check the floor by the dishwasher, the sinks, the fridge, the tub and the outside doors.
Lay a flashlight on the floor and shine it along the seams. Low light shows edges that have lifted.
Look for seams that have peaked up, opened into gaps, or curled at their ends.
Run your hand along the seams. Laminate that has swelled feels raised and rough at its edges.
Press along each seam with your foot. A soft or spongy spot means water may be under it.
Wipe up any water at once, and leave a fan blowing on any damp spot.
Swollen, soft or lifting seams, or water you can't trace: ask Handyman for a plumber to find the leak, then a flooring pro.

Handyman says: Swollen or soft? I'll find a plumber.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.