Laminate Flooring Got Wet

Dealing with a wet basement is a real nuisance. It can turn a potentially usable place into a dank, dark and uninhabitable cave. Even regular storage becomes unlikely because the floor is too moist. With some of the the best flooring for basement options, the lower level environment becomes less of a cavern and more like a manageable and even livable room. Luckily, there are plenty of types of flooring to choose from. To start with, let’s consider the worst options, such as basement carpet, solid wood and laminate flooring. Sure, basement carpet is warm and cozy, but where there’s water, there’s going to be armies of nasty mold and mildew collecting inside of it. Hardwood floors exposed to moisture, let alone fluctuating humidity, will eventually swell and ruin. As long as the laminate flooring is glued, it will at least be slightly harder for water to enter the underneath “wear layer”, but if it does, it immediately splinters and destroys itself. Now, let’s talk about what is actually viable for semi-moist to damp basement conditions:
Engineered wood – this is only moderately resistant to water. It has a sturdy plywood base, but it”floats,” meaning there will be a layer underneath that water can sneak into. In the event of a flood, the flooring affected will need to be replaced. It is also hard to find extra pieces from the manufacturer if only part of the floor needs to be repaired. Linoleum tile and sheet – being oil based, this floor is more water resistant. The tiles, however, are composite material, so water will find places to seep into. Going for sheet linoleum is a better choice because there are less seams and the whole floor becomes flat and solid. However, in case of a flood, it will be impossible to make a seamless fix. Vinyl tile and sheet – an excellent choice for the purpose of water resistance. Nothing sheds water like vinyl, but there is again the problem with the vinyl tiles as a potential entry way for water. Furthermore, if water does happen to get behind the sheet, it will cause the floor to raise and fixing it will be somewhat unsightly because of the irregularity.
Epoxy paint – very affordable. This stuff seals thick and hard, making it durable and reliable against water damage. They come in a few decent colors and can turn the basement from a moldy mess to a functional space. Ceramic and stone tiles – this is the floor most commonly used in showers, bathrooms, pools and so on. It is one of the pricier choices, but it will last for a very long time since it doesn’t corrode or rot, no matter how much exposure to water there is. T-Shirt KeaneIt can also be installed on the walls where there might be some extra water exposure, and it looks great. Goodyear Aircraft Tires PriceCompared to the previous choices, ceramic and stone make cleaning up water seem fun and easy.T Shirt Coca Cola Vintage Concrete – by far the best flooring for basement choice.
Not only is it super affordable, properly sealed concrete will not let a drop of water into the floor. It is a good idea to pair concrete with a waterproof paint. Not only does it make a wet basement completely waterproof, adding a flair of dye for a tinted, stained or stamped look makes concrete look way more elegant than one would think.Home > Useful Information > Maintenance >We make it easy to maintain a beautiful floor. Your Columbia Laminate Flooring is engineered to resist scratches, stains and fading, plus the special sealed surface reduces dust and allergens. When your floor needs cleaning, simply sweep or dust and maintain with a gentle cleaner. No waxing or buffing required. Plus, we offer products specifically designed to keep your floor looking its best. Laminate flooring is virtually maintenance-free. Routine cleaning requires you only to vacuum, use a dust mop, or a slightly damp (not wet) mop and dry with a clean, white cotton cloth. The only product that you will need to use to clean your floor on a regular basis is Performance Accessories™ Hard Surface Cleaner or plain water.
With its smooth surface, Unilin flooring cannot retain dust or dirt. For beveled edge products, we strongly recommend dry cleaning only. NEVER use a wax, polish, oil, or varnish coating on the floor. Do not use soap, detergent, oil soaps, any product that squirts liquid directly on the floor, or claims to restore or enhance the shine. For dry maintenance, use a dust mop, microfiber mop, or vacuum cleaner. Avoid vacuums with spinning heads or beater bars which could damage your floor. Use only soft bristle brush attachments and cleaning heads. Ensure vacuum cleaner wheels are not impregnated with grit; plastic wheels may scratch your floor. For damp maintenance: Again, for beveled edge products, we strongly recommend dry cleaning only. Apply Performance Accessories™ Hard Surface Cleaner (or plain water) lightly to a dry, soft cloth (never directly to the floor), wipe over floor. Never use other cleaning products or detergents which could void your warranty. Only use a WELL WRUNG OUT CLOTH.
ALWAYS WIPE DRY IMMEDIATELY AFTER until no moisture is visible on the floor. If you do not wipe it dry, the cleaning product has virtually no effect. WET MAINTENANCE IS ENTIRELY FORBIDDEN! Never wet mop or use wet or steam cleaners on your floor. Remove stubborn stains carefully with a little acetone (fingernail polish remover) on a soft cloth. Never use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or scouring powder, as they will scratch your floor. Unilin laminate is based on pre-treated, watertight, glued HDF board. Despite Unilin laminate's relative moisture-resistance, remove any excess water immediately. Grease, Juice, Wine, Mustard, Coffee, Tea, Milk Water & ammonia or water & vinegar (3 parts water to 1 part vinegar or ammonia) Crayon, Asphalt, Nail Polish, Paint, Lipstick, Ball Point Pen Ink, Laundry Marker Ink Denatured alcohol or Acetone™ (nail polish remover), then water and an alcohol based soap-free non-abrasive household cleaner (like Windex) Allow to harden, then gently scrape free with a rubber scraper