5 Signs Of Water Damage Under Vinyl Floors

Water can cause damage to vinyl flooring, despite its waterproof properties. Despite being waterproof, unexpected water disasters, such as leaks, flooding, and moisture buildup, can all contribute to swelling and delamination. As soon as you spot any water damage signs under your vinyl flooring, you must act quickly. The quicker vinyl flooring can be dried out, the more damage you can prevent. Read more to find out how to spot and take action against water damage under vinyl floors.

Is Vinyl Flooring Waterproof?

The short answer is yes, however, that doesn’t make vinyl flooring indestructible. Vinyl flooring is still a great option for areas that may see some water like bathrooms and kitchens due to their water-resistant properties. But that doesn’t mean you can let water sit on vinyl flooring, without cleaning it up. Eventually, water can get into and damage the planks. Water damage can also get under vinyl flooring, creating problems that may go undetected for long periods. 

Common Symptoms of Water-Damaged Vinyl Flooring

If you don’t clean up and dry water on vinyl surfaces quickly enough, damage can set in. To dry out vinyl surfaces, you can use fans, a heater, towels, or a mop. If the water gets under the flooring coming from an area below the floors (like a pipe leak), then you need to fix that first. Then you should follow up with a shop vac and/or dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture. Detecting this issue can be difficult. That’s why you should look out for these water-damaged vinyl flooring symptoms:

• Warping
• Buckling
• Discoloration
• Cupping
• Rippling

Will Water Dry Out Under Vinyl Flooring?

If water or excess moisture is under your vinyl flooring, it is not likely to dry up on its own without leaving damage. In other words, you can’t just ignore water under the flooring just because you have waterproof flooring. Excess moisture and water under the flooring can deteriorate and soften vinyl planks. It can also lead to mold growth, setting up a potentially unhealthy indoor environment. Addressing surface-level moisture as well as any water damage under vinyl floors is essential to avoiding a worsening situation. 

Read More: 7 Steps on How to Dry Wet Carpet After a Flood

How to Spot Water Underneath Vinyl Plank Flooring

Not sure if your vinyl flooring is experiencing water damage? Check for these signs. 

Deteriorating Adhesive 

Are planks moving when they weren’t before? Water and moisture can weaken glue bonds, causing edges to lift and bubbles to form. 

Deteriorating Seams

As you check your vinyl flooring, do you see any of the planks’ seams opening? If so, you likely have water damage under it. 

Discoloration

Do one or more spots of your vinyl flooring appear to have a yellowish stain? This is likely due to trapped moisture. 

Bumps/Bubbles

As you walk across or feel your vinyl flooring with your hands, do you feel any bumps or bubbles? These are surefire signs of water damage under the flooring. 

Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Flooring?

Not only can mold grow under your vinyl flooring, but it can also do so quickly. Mold can grow on surfaces in as little as 24 hours. All it needs is water, warmth, oxygen, and a food source—all of which are available under your water-damaged floors. 

Although it is unlikely to grow on vinyl planks, mold can grow on the surfaces below your flooring and create a potentially unhealthy environment. You may notice musty odors in water-damaged areas, a strong indicator of a mold infestation. If you want to eliminate the chances of mold damaging your property, get water damage taken care of quickly.

How to Repair Water-Damaged Vinyl Floors

Ready to tackle the damaged areas? First, you’ll need to determine what caused the water damage under vinyl floors in the first place. Failing to address the root cause of the problem can put you on a perpetuating cycle of damages and repairs. After taking care of the source, here’s what you can do:

1. Remove and replace the damaged planks. You can do this on your own if you’re familiar with vinyl flooring installation or you can call a local professional. 
2. Patch the area with a new, matching piece of vinyl flooring. This might be more difficult for the untrained eye, so you may want to consult a professional first.
3. If the water damage is minor, you could try drying and cleaning the damaged area. Use a wet/dry vacuum and dehumidifier to eliminate all water and moisture.  

Read More: How to Repair Water Damage on Drywall & Ceilings

Save Yourself Some Stress—Hire CTR for Water Damage Restoration

It’s never easy discovering water damage, especially when it comes to your vinyl flooring. Your first thoughts might be the cost of repair or replacement or how your home may not look the same after. At CTR, we understand these concerns. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency water damage services and fast response times to ensure we can mitigate damage and save your flooring. 

Our licensed and experienced specialists can be on-site within an hour to get the assessment, extraction, and restoration processes started. We also accept all insurance companies and will work with your provider on your behalf—you have enough on your plate. Start with a free estimate by calling us at (208) 793-6591 or contacting us online.