Broken laminate flooring

laurathree

Hi guys,

Live in a ground floor flat in Middlesex. Apart from bathroom and kitchen, it has laminate floors throughout. As far as I am aware, these predate the previous owner, so are at least c.10yrs old.

Recently, boyfriend jumped on part of the floor by the kitchen (don't ask) and heard a crack. I have investigated and it looks like the 'tongue' of one of the tongue and groove laminate boards has snapped. The floor now dips hugely by the kitchen when you step on that bit.

I have only found online tutorials for fixing laminate with cosmetic damage really, and I've struggled to find a repair company. To complicate matters further, I have no idea how to match the board as I have no remnants and didnt buy it.

How do I fix this without ruining the floor in my whole hallway?!

richy999

The only reasons I can think of for there being a huge dip where the floor was jumped on are either there was already a void under that section of the floor, or the sub floor was also damaged in the process.

I think you will probably end up replacing the flooring. A fix/bodge may not work and will probably be noticeable.

laurathree

Thanks - that is my worry a bit.

It is right where the boards meet the kitchen tiles - it looks like there was a void underneath.

spadoosh

Youre not fixing it. At least youre not fixing it without taking the whole floor up and relaying.

Your place or rented?

Rented, gaffer tape until you leave.

Your place, gaffer tape until you can be bothered to get a new floor.

laurathree

It's ours. I have been thinking it's going to have to be the whole floor. Oh well - at least its only the hallway, which is about 6m long and less than 1m wide.

richy999

laurathree wrote: »

Thanks - that is my worry a bit.

It is right where the boards meet the kitchen tiles - it looks like there was a void underneath.

In that case, there is probably a threshold strip that covers the gap between the two flooring types. If you can remove this strip, you may be able to see why the laminate has dropped and insert something underneath to raise and support this section of laminate.

laurathree

richy999 wrote: »

In that case, there is probably a threshold strip that covers the gap between the two flooring types. If you can remove this strip, you may be able to see why the laminate has dropped and insert something underneath to raise and support this section of laminate.

Tried that - unfortunately didn't work. COuldn't get it level so was pushing the floor up everywhere else.

richy999

Well at least you've had a go at fixing it.

Leave it for a while so the boyfriend feels guilty every time he steps on it :-)

Browntoa

cheaper to rip old stuff up , fix broken bit , lay new (if still want laminate)

Kiran

If you have been able to get something underneath it then as a short term solution, providing you can lift the floor to the correct level, you can put gripfill underneath it. I know its a bit rough but I have seen it done as an emergency repair.

cyclonebri1

The problem isn't with the laminate it's with what's supporting it, ie the floor.

Needs lifting to find the underlying, 'scuse pun', problem.;)