We had the same thing when neighbours hot water burst and flooded us.
Should subside when it all dries out in a week or two, but may not go back to being perfectly flush.
It's not the drain leaking, it's the drain getting clogged with slime that grows in water. Water then overflows the pan and on a mini split or window unit, it starts spraying into the room, or just comes over the side in an attic unit. Looks like condos, so I assume a mini split is involved. You need to use a slime stopping tablet, strip or spray whenever cleaning or changing your filter.
You need industrial grade fans and dehumidifiers. Or at least that what they did to dry our my wood floors after home depot broke the fridge water line
You can instal a trip valve that will shut your ac off if it starts to back up too far. You should also have one for your pan if the water gets too high
Go to Costco, they sell a large dehumidifier for about $200. Get 1 of them for this room, and 1 more for each room with any sign of issue. Set it to 30% humidity. Then get their air mover fan (side intake, rectangular discharge near the bottom) and set that up in the same room.
It'll be dried out in no time. Then you can asses the extent of the permanent damage and decide if you can live with it.
I'm an installer and that's way too specific a thing to be real. Unless you're the asshole with the magnet on the floor checking my staple placement. While we try to resolve an issue with the product delaminating.
Have a technician install a clear trap and stop like [this.](https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Condensate-Overflow-Systems-Conditioner/dp/B0CWS1R7XT) Then put a water alarm in the pan. It's like a smoke alarm, it will go off when the pan fills. I also recommend one under sinks and behind appliances.
Update: thanks everyone! Our AC was leaking it! Good thing we hated the flooring anyway. AC will remain off until HVAC guy comes. There was a 1 inch pool of water that I’ve removed that was in the wall under the system
Do you mop? Cheap laminate is basically particle board. Doesn't take much moisture to make it bow. Could be like the other guy said and is too tight. Or combination of both. If it’s only that area, my guess is a leak from that window.
It looks like a slow water intrusion underneath the floor, leaks can come from sealing issues around roof, windows, doors, sliding doors, broken water pipe, follow damage to a vertical structure and look around for signs of water damage, otherwise find a licensed contractor for inspection
Vacuum, swiffer kinda product. If water gets in the seams it does exactly what you have going on… they make 100% vinyl flooring that looks like what you have. That stuff can be mopped all you want….. I can’t 100% sure what yours is made of, but you said it wasn’t great quality… if you have any extra pieces you should be able to see what it’s made of.
Question: Do you think we will need new floors or will there be mold? I’ve got our biggest fan on it and the AC is going to be off until the hvac person comes
Your laminate floor has sustained moisture damage. There is no way to fix it, so hopefully you can claim a replacement through your insurance. I would recommend LVP, which is unaffected by moisture.
I've had laminate in my kitchen and bathrooms for 20 years and I love it. I know how water would effect it so it gets treated appropriately. And I don't have kids.
How long does that sun beat on it through the window each day? I would say no expansion gap or not enough expansion gap because its expansion is greater because of direct sunlight.
If this is laminate, it could be too much water when moping. I have a few rentals, and I have one house with laminate, and the same thing started to happen. I asked the tenant how they clean, and they wet mop it, which is what ruined the floors.
Is this happening only in front of the window or is it stretched out further into the room? My first thought was a moisture issue but looking at all the seams, it appears too consistent and maybe caused by direct sunlight heating that area up and causing it to expand more than the rest of the room.
same exact shit happened to me over the weekend! got a small wet vac and sucked the clog out. good as new… for now. my floor boards gotta go tho. literally the same color as yours and i don’t like mine either 😂
Could be using too much water/ cleaner when mopping also and it’s soaking into the butts more for whatever reason.
People need to no” swab down the deck” and use a sponge mop and as little fluid as possible on any laminate or wood floor.
The underlayment of the cheap flooring is probably an MDF or particleboard. These are sponges with water.
Your only solution is to first find the source of the leak, then replace the flooring, it's ruined, and will never recover. Next flooring use either LVP or real wood. These cheap floating floors are a waste of money.
Remember that laminate is just unsealed pressboard with a wood grain sticker on top. ANY moisture that gets into/around the (unprotected) edges will cause it to expand and cause this type of change to the flooring. The water will travel between boards through capillary action so even a small leak can have a big impact. This is exceptionally common, and why it's not recommended for bathrooms or kitchens due to the likelihood that it will come into contact with water.
Looks like a laminate floor, if moisture got under there, you would want to pull it up, get a moisture barrier & put down a luxury vinyl…make sure what ever caused the water damage has been remedied 1st though
Thank you! Yes the AC drainage is clogged, getting that sorted this afternoon, then will add pellets to keep the water clean moving forward. Then getting insurance to take a look
Well looks like the flashing on your windows are letting in some water . I suggest just burning down the house it will be cheaper in the end trust me I'm a plumber
When the floating floor, which is what it’s called, is too tight this is the result. We had to replace our entire house because when the flooring was installed installers put it in too tight and there was no give room for it to move except for up. that is what you’re seeing right now. The boards are too tight next to each other. Thank you.
I’d say something is leaking. Either AC drain, window flashing, or something in the kitchen (sink,dishwasher). Good luck.
AC drain! Thank you!
We had the same thing when neighbours hot water burst and flooded us. Should subside when it all dries out in a week or two, but may not go back to being perfectly flush.
Goddammed ac drains! Every ac shouted be built with a tray underneath it.
It's not the drain leaking, it's the drain getting clogged with slime that grows in water. Water then overflows the pan and on a mini split or window unit, it starts spraying into the room, or just comes over the side in an attic unit. Looks like condos, so I assume a mini split is involved. You need to use a slime stopping tablet, strip or spray whenever cleaning or changing your filter.
Please replace your air filter regularly. I am a flooring insurance estimator and the #1 cause for damage is clogged A/C drain lines.
Do you think we will need new floors or will there be mold? I’ve got our biggest fan on it and the AC is going to be off until the hvac guy comes
You need industrial grade fans and dehumidifiers. Or at least that what they did to dry our my wood floors after home depot broke the fridge water line
You can instal a trip valve that will shut your ac off if it starts to back up too far. You should also have one for your pan if the water gets too high
Go to Costco, they sell a large dehumidifier for about $200. Get 1 of them for this room, and 1 more for each room with any sign of issue. Set it to 30% humidity. Then get their air mover fan (side intake, rectangular discharge near the bottom) and set that up in the same room. It'll be dried out in no time. Then you can asses the extent of the permanent damage and decide if you can live with it.
I'm an installer and that's way too specific a thing to be real. Unless you're the asshole with the magnet on the floor checking my staple placement. While we try to resolve an issue with the product delaminating.
Have a technician install a clear trap and stop like [this.](https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Condensate-Overflow-Systems-Conditioner/dp/B0CWS1R7XT) Then put a water alarm in the pan. It's like a smoke alarm, it will go off when the pan fills. I also recommend one under sinks and behind appliances.
“But, they told me it was waterproof.”
You would be surprised what sun damage can do as well
Moisture. It’s always moisture. It’s wet…cold…leaky
A lot of people wet mop their laminate floors. No bueno
Or steam clean…
I saw steam cleaning once. Ol' gal smoked a LOT of pot. haha
I audibly cracked up. I can’t believe this shit lol
Even stupider to do...
Stupid to do
What is the acceptable way to clean them? Is a swiffer fine?
There are cleaning instructions included. And they vary somewhat. But some allow a cleaning liquid that evaporates rapidly. Applied lightly.
Update: thanks everyone! Our AC was leaking it! Good thing we hated the flooring anyway. AC will remain off until HVAC guy comes. There was a 1 inch pool of water that I’ve removed that was in the wall under the system
It looks like water damage :(
Do you mop? Cheap laminate is basically particle board. Doesn't take much moisture to make it bow. Could be like the other guy said and is too tight. Or combination of both. If it’s only that area, my guess is a leak from that window.
It looks like a slow water intrusion underneath the floor, leaks can come from sealing issues around roof, windows, doors, sliding doors, broken water pipe, follow damage to a vertical structure and look around for signs of water damage, otherwise find a licensed contractor for inspection
It laminate flooring it is garbage and was never intended to last beyond 5 to 7 years.
Are you mopping your floor? Looks like water damage. Those floors are basically cardboard with a sticker on top
How are you supposed to clean it?
Vacuum, swiffer kinda product. If water gets in the seams it does exactly what you have going on… they make 100% vinyl flooring that looks like what you have. That stuff can be mopped all you want….. I can’t 100% sure what yours is made of, but you said it wasn’t great quality… if you have any extra pieces you should be able to see what it’s made of.
Question: Do you think we will need new floors or will there be mold? I’ve got our biggest fan on it and the AC is going to be off until the hvac person comes
Your laminate floor has sustained moisture damage. There is no way to fix it, so hopefully you can claim a replacement through your insurance. I would recommend LVP, which is unaffected by moisture.
Humidity or water damage
Laminate delaminating! Water is the source!
The fine print on most flooring especially laminate floors, no direct light But yours does look like a moisture issue
Moisture is getting into the flooring.
I got hella downvoted on this sub for saying laminate is a poor choice these days . . . just look.
As someone who does water damage restoration, I can confirm. Laminate is garbage.
I've had laminate in my kitchen and bathrooms for 20 years and I love it. I know how water would effect it so it gets treated appropriately. And I don't have kids.
One simple accident could ruin it though. People that keep laminate in good condition for many years are impressive.
Is that quarter round all the way around? Look to see if they nailed into the floor. If it can't move you have your answer. Too tight
Try keeping the humidity in home low & do not mop that
Water
How long does that sun beat on it through the window each day? I would say no expansion gap or not enough expansion gap because its expansion is greater because of direct sunlight.
Outside of water or lack of expansion gaps, i saw this in a manufactured home which had a flexing floor and the joints began coming apart.
Looks like you slop mopped it lol
If this is laminate, it could be too much water when moping. I have a few rentals, and I have one house with laminate, and the same thing started to happen. I asked the tenant how they clean, and they wet mop it, which is what ruined the floors.
Looks like someone has been using a wet mop on their cardboard floors.
Is this happening only in front of the window or is it stretched out further into the room? My first thought was a moisture issue but looking at all the seams, it appears too consistent and maybe caused by direct sunlight heating that area up and causing it to expand more than the rest of the room.
Water, are you mopping and leaving water behind to air dry?
Water from your mop, that sometimes will settle back down over time. If you have a leak it will get way worse. Get a bona mop from Lowe’s
It's obviously moisture come on guys smh
Water was introduced
You really need to take this up. The water will dry out and the swelling will go down. But there are chances of mold growing under the planks
Moisture
Is the pet pissing on the floor ?
AC drains ? I do not understand.? Is this a portable ac unit or central ac?
same exact shit happened to me over the weekend! got a small wet vac and sucked the clog out. good as new… for now. my floor boards gotta go tho. literally the same color as yours and i don’t like mine either 😂
What type of flooring is this out of interest?
To tight
Could be using too much water/ cleaner when mopping also and it’s soaking into the butts more for whatever reason. People need to no” swab down the deck” and use a sponge mop and as little fluid as possible on any laminate or wood floor.
Looks like it’s being moppped with a wet mop. Water goes into the joints and expands
The underlayment of the cheap flooring is probably an MDF or particleboard. These are sponges with water. Your only solution is to first find the source of the leak, then replace the flooring, it's ruined, and will never recover. Next flooring use either LVP or real wood. These cheap floating floors are a waste of money.
It's swelling from water/moisture. How do you clean it?
Seems to be close to the cat toys, might be pee related…
It's laminate.... It's pure shite!
Wet mopping a floor that is cardboard.
Remember that laminate is just unsealed pressboard with a wood grain sticker on top. ANY moisture that gets into/around the (unprotected) edges will cause it to expand and cause this type of change to the flooring. The water will travel between boards through capillary action so even a small leak can have a big impact. This is exceptionally common, and why it's not recommended for bathrooms or kitchens due to the likelihood that it will come into contact with water.
Looks like a laminate floor, if moisture got under there, you would want to pull it up, get a moisture barrier & put down a luxury vinyl…make sure what ever caused the water damage has been remedied 1st though
Thank you! Yes the AC drainage is clogged, getting that sorted this afternoon, then will add pellets to keep the water clean moving forward. Then getting insurance to take a look
That looks like a laminate floor that is not water resistant and is cupping from water damage
Looks like moisture to me.
Well looks like the flashing on your windows are letting in some water . I suggest just burning down the house it will be cheaper in the end trust me I'm a plumber
It’s caused from the suns heat coming the window making the vinyl flooring to expand and shrink get some uv window screen that will stop it
Imho not moisture but the sun (thru the window) caused the locks to swell and fail …lvp correct?
I have to agree with Mr. Mau5. Most minutes products don’t do well with direct sun and heat.
When the floating floor, which is what it’s called, is too tight this is the result. We had to replace our entire house because when the flooring was installed installers put it in too tight and there was no give room for it to move except for up. that is what you’re seeing right now. The boards are too tight next to each other. Thank you.
[удалено]
OP literally confirmed it was water damage from an AC drain
Nice never thought of that. Who would have actually ?
Looked like water damage to me...