To better fill the cracks of the laminate on the floor, the choice of tools and repair instructions
Laminate flooring is a durable and popular flooring that degrades over time. Deep scratches and cracks appear. However, today the question does not arise - how to close the various cracks in the floor laminate. Several materials are required to restore the integrity of the flooring. After weighing the pros and cons of each option, it will be easy to find the best one.
Where do the cracks in the laminate come from?
There are different ways to damage the coating. Common causes of holes and crevices:
- the appearance of narrow gaps causes a change in humidity, ambient temperature, especially in warm (cold) seasons. This defect is typical of materials containing wood;
- sudden leakage from heating systems or constant puddles under the windowsill, on which pots with living plants are installed;
- laying of poor-quality laminate panels (during installation the locks are not pressed and the canvas gradually “diverges”);
- factory defect of materials.
Before proceeding with the repair of a laminate floor, it is important to know the cause of the damage. Surface gaps can occur due to uneven foundations.In this case, it is recommended to dismantle the flooring and level the base (self-leveling mixtures are used, wooden parquet is installed).
How to repair the holes?
When choosing repair materials, you need to correctly assess the degree of damage, the causes of cracks. It is also necessary to have an idea of the pros and cons of the formulations chosen.
Special paste
This material is an indispensable tool for aesthetic repair of laminate floors. When choosing, it is important to choose a paste that matches the floor covering. It is not difficult to use the composition.
- The damaged area is cleaned of dust and degreased (wiped with alcohol).
- Using masking tape, the problem area is highlighted on the laminate.
- On a separate surface (you can use a piece of tile or a plastic plate), mix the grout with the dye until the mass of the desired shade is obtained.
- Apply the paste to the damaged area with a narrow spatula and smooth it out. Excess repair mass is removed with a spatula.
- The masking tape is removed from the laminate, the remaining paste is wiped off with a thick cloth. The product dries completely in 25-30 minutes.
Advantages of a special paste: affordable price, you can choose the material of the desired shade, high-quality protection from cracks and scratches against moisture. Minus - the tool is used to repair minor damage - cracks, scratches or minor abrasions.
putty
A common solution for eliminating shallow gaps is to use putty.The advantages of the product are obvious: a wide color palette, fast drying time, ease of use (the algorithm of actions is the same as when working with paste). When choosing a putty, you need to take into account its drawbacks: low plasticity, the ability to quickly crack due to frequent vibration.
For laminate repair, sealants created on various bases are suitable: water, solvents, acrylic. Advantages of materials:
- water sealant reliably masks flaws, is harmless, has a long service life, withstands temperature changes, is highly elastic;
- acrylic sealant (polymer) is characterized by a long service life, does not shrink, is suitable for filling holes and cracks, dries quickly, does not attract dust, there is a wide range of colors;
- solvent-based mixtures dry quickly and are easy to apply. Putty is inexpensive, well hides flaws, is resistant to moisture, fire and environmental.
Important! Putty is used to repair areas that are not subject to significant dynamic loads (near the walls, in the corners).
sealant
Waterproof plastic materials are in great demand. And this is not surprising, because putty has many advantages: high adhesion rate, elasticity and strength, environmental friendliness and is suitable for repairing deep cracks. To work with a laminate coating, sealants based on acrylic, silicone or polyurethane are used.
A sealant is often used to eliminate squeaks (over time, locking systems dry out, and under load a squeak appears). Stages of work with putty:
- the space is thoroughly cleaned of debris, dirt and dust;
- the container with the sealant is unpacked, the rod of the gun is directed into the recess in the laminate;
- slots or depressions are evenly and carefully filled with acrylic/silicone;
- the remnants of the composition are carefully wiped off with a dry cloth.
For the treatment of laminate, select a sealer suitable for interior wood renovation work.
colored grout
It is convenient and easy to use. Advantages of grout: increased plasticity, water resistance, wide color palette, it is a comfortable remedy for cosmetic repairs. Putty contains hard wax, silicone, paraffin, dyes. The agent is produced in the form of bars of various shades and is used in the solid/molten state.
In solid form, putty is suitable for removing shallow scratches. To get rid of deep damage or chips of the upper decorative layer, putty is applied melted.
Laminate care rules
Sooner or later, cracks form on the decorative coating. Naturally, a well-laid laminate made of good materials will last longer. Compliance with the rules of care and operation is also important. The main subtleties of caring for laminate floors:
- the floor is wiped with a wrung-out cloth. Wet cleaning is carried out no more than 1-2 times a week. Wipe up spills immediately;
- the laminated panel of resistance class 21-23 is sensitive to humidity. Therefore, dry cleaning is recommended for such a floor (use a vacuum cleaner or an ordinary broom);
- to protect the floor from damage and maintain a neat appearance longer, special cover plates are placed on the furniture legs;
- in places of active use of the floor covering (hallway, area in front of the front door, near the sofa or desk), it is advisable to lay special rugs or pads;
- to clean the floor, use soft brushes and substances that do not contain abrasive additives. Do not use metal brushes;
- small cracks in the seams are immediately sealed, preventing further destruction of the floor covering.
It is not recommended to walk on the floor covering with stilettos or in shoes lined with metallic elements. Soft indoor shoes are an appropriate solution. Special (non-aggressive) products will help maintain the neat appearance of the laminate.
Laminate floors can be classified as “capricious and sensitive”. However, it is undeniable that all floor finishing materials require careful maintenance. Repair tools will allow you to eliminate damage to the laminate panel in 10-15 minutes and help preserve the exquisite appearance of the floor.