Why Is My Laminate Flooring Bubbling at the Edges?
Last updated October 25, 2026
The short answer
How Moisture Causes Laminate to Swell
Laminate flooring has a fiberboard core that acts like a sponge. When water or high humidity reaches it, the core absorbs the moisture and expands. This expansion has nowhere to go, so the material pushes upward against the rigid top layer. The weakest points are often the edges or seams, where the planks meet, causing them to bubble or buckle.
This swelling is permanent. Unlike solid wood, the compressed fiberboard cannot shrink back to its original shape once it dries. The damage is structural, not just cosmetic. You might see warping, gaps, or a spongy feeling underfoot. The problem often starts small at the edges before spreading across larger sections of the floor.
Common Sources of the Moisture
The moisture usually comes from a specific incident or a slow leak. A common culprit is a spill that wasn't completely cleaned up, allowing liquid to seep into the expansion gap. A leaking appliance, like a dishwasher or refrigerator, can also send water under the flooring over time.
In a bathroom or kitchen, failed caulking or grout can let water penetrate. High indoor humidity from poor ventilation or a faulty air conditioner can also cause problems. In areas like Boca Raton, with a tropical climate with hot rainy summers and an Atlantic hurricane season, humidity is a constant concern that can affect laminate.
- Spills that seep into expansion gaps.
- Leaks from appliances (dishwasher, fridge, washing machine).
- Plumbing leaks under sinks or behind walls.
- Moisture wicking up from a damp concrete subfloor.
- High indoor humidity from poor ventilation.
- Water intrusion from windows, doors, or a roof leak.
Immediate Steps to Take
Your first move is to find and stop the water source. If it's an appliance leak, turn off the water supply valve. For a spill, soak up all visible moisture with towels. Move furniture and rugs off the affected area to allow air circulation. Do not attempt to walk on severely buckled areas, as the planks can break.
Increase airflow by opening windows and using fans, but avoid heat guns or hair dryers. Intense, direct heat can cause further damage. Do not try to force swollen planks back down. The goal is to dry the area to prevent mold growth and further swelling while you assess the damage.
When to Call a Water Damage Pro
If the bubbling covers a large area or you suspect hidden water under the floor, contact local water damage pros. They have tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to detect moisture you cannot see inside walls or under the subfloor. They can assess the full extent of the damage accurately.
The pros can also determine if the water is contaminated, which requires specific safety protocols. They will develop a drying plan for the structure. In many cases, the laminate itself cannot be saved and will need replacement, but the underlying structure must be dried completely first.
Repair Options and Insurance
Small, isolated sections of bubbling might be repaired by replacing individual planks, if you have spare matching material. However, moisture often affects a wider area than is visible. If the subfloor is wet or moldy, full removal of the laminate is necessary. A professional assessment is key to deciding between spot repair and full replacement.
If the cause is a sudden, accidental event like a burst pipe, your homeowner's insurance may help with repair costs. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Damage from long-term humidity or lack of maintenance is typically not covered. Document the damage and cause with photos for your claim.
- Plank replacement for small, isolated damage.
- Full floor removal if the subfloor is wet or moldy.
- Subfloor drying and possible replacement.
- Mold remediation if growth is discovered.
- Choosing a new, water-resistant flooring material.
Talk to someone now
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Call Now (561) 794-2954Frequently asked questions
Can I fix a small bubble myself?
For a single plank, you might carefully remove the molding, cut out the damaged piece, and glue in a replacement if you have an exact match. However, if the subfloor underneath is damp, the problem will recur. It is often a sign of wider moisture issues.
How long does it take for laminate to bubble after getting wet?
Swelling can appear within hours for a significant spill, or it can take days or weeks for a slow leak. The timing depends on the amount of water, the laminate's quality, and the subfloor material. Once you see bubbling, the damage has already occurred.
Will the bubbles go down if the floor dries?
No, the swelling is permanent. The compressed fiberboard core expands and will not shrink back to its original shape. The floor may dry, but the deformed planks will remain raised, feel soft, and likely have visible gaps. Replacement is usually the only permanent fix.