Why is My Laminate Floor Bubbling: Causes & Solutions

If you’re asking why your laminate floor bubbling is happening, the most common cause is moisture intrusion—from leaks, spills, or high humidity—that causes the laminate’s core to swell. Improper installation, temperature changes, and subfloor problems can worsen the issue.

The fix depends on identifying and stopping the moisture source first; without that, repairs won’t last. In many cases, professional water damage restoration is the safest way to prevent long-term damage.

Understanding Laminate Floor Bubbling

Laminate floor bubbling occurs when laminate planks swell, lift, or form raised areas due to moisture absorption or movement restrictions.

Laminate flooring is made with a fiberboard core that expands when exposed to water. Once swollen, it rarely returns to its original shape, making early detection and moisture control critical.

Common Causes of Laminate Floor Bubbling

Moisture and Water Damage

The leading cause of laminate floor bubbling is moisture. Water enters through seams and edges, soaking the core layer and causing it to expand.

Common moisture sources include:

Plumbing leaks or appliance leaks
Spills not cleaned promptly
High indoor humidity
Flooding or water intrusion

This is especially common in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and entryways.

Poor Installation Practices

Improper installation often triggers or worsens laminate floor bubbling.

Typical mistakes include:

No expansion gaps around walls
Flooring installed too tightly
Incorrect or missing underlayment
No acclimation before installation

Laminate needs space to expand and contract. Without it, boards buckle upward.

The gap between the two laminate tiles indicates it was improperly installed.

Subfloor Issues

A damp, uneven, or incompatible subfloor can cause bubbling.

Watch for:

Moisture coming up from concrete slabs
Uneven subfloor surfaces
Cracks or gaps under planks

Moisture trapped below the laminate is often invisible but highly destructive.

Temperature and Humidity Fluctuations

Laminate reacts to environmental changes.

Heat causes expansion
Cold causes contraction

Without proper spacing and climate control, this movement leads to lifting and bubbling.

Heavy Furniture and Impact Damage

Heavy furniture without pads can compress laminate joints. If moisture is present, compression accelerates swelling and separation.

A dehumidifier helps remove moisture from your room, which can help your laminate floor.

Preventing Laminate Floor Bubbling

Control Moisture Levels

Moisture control is the most effective prevention step.

Best practices:

Keep indoor humidity between 30–50%
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
Clean spills immediately
Fix plumbing leaks promptly

Avoid wet mopping—use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop.

Ensure Proper Installation

Correct installation reduces the risk of laminate floor bubbling.

Maintain manufacturer-recommended expansion gaps
Use the correct underlayment
Allow planks to acclimate 48–72 hours
Hire professionals when possible

Choose the Right Laminate

Not all laminate is equal.

Use water-resistant laminate in higher-risk rooms
Avoid laminate in areas with frequent standing water

Protect the Surface

Use felt pads under furniture
Avoid dragging heavy items
Place mats in high-traffic or entry areas

Placing a pad on your furniture helps protect your flooring.

Perform Regular Inspections

Early signs matter.

Check for:

Slight lifting at seams
Soft or spongy spots
Musty odors

Catching moisture early can prevent full plank replacement.

What to Do If Your Laminate Floor Is Bubbling

Step 1: Identify the Moisture Source

Find and stop the water source first. This may involve plumbing inspection, appliance repair, or humidity control.

Step 2: Dry the Area Thoroughly

Surface drying is often not enough. Moisture may be trapped beneath the flooring or in the subfloor.

Step 3: Assess Repair vs Replacement

Minor bubbling may flatten temporarily
Swollen boards usually require replacement

Once the laminate core expands, it cannot be permanently reversed.

Step 4: Call a Professional if Moisture Persists

If moisture has spread below the surface, professional drying and restoration are necessary to prevent mold and structural damage.

Laminate Floor Bubbling: DIY Fix vs Professional Restoration

Situation	DIY Fix	Professional Help
Small spill, caught immediately	✅	❌
Ongoing moisture or leaks	❌	✅
Subfloor moisture	❌	✅
Mold risk present	❌	✅
Widespread bubbling	❌	✅

FAQs About Laminate Floor Bubbling

Can laminate floor bubbling be fixed?

Only if moisture is fully removed and damage is minimal. Most swollen boards must be replaced.

Is laminate floor bubbling always caused by water?

Almost always. Installation and temperature issues usually contribute, but moisture is the root cause.

Will a dehumidifier fix laminate bubbling?

A dehumidifier helps prevent further damage but won’t reverse swelling already in the boards.

Can mold grow under bubbling laminate?

Yes. Trapped moisture creates ideal conditions for mold growth beneath the flooring.

Should I replace or repair bubbled laminate?

If boards are swollen or warped, replacement is the safest long-term solution.

Experiencing Water Damage? Call PuroClean Today

If laminate floor bubbling is linked to water damage, professional help is critical. PuroClean provides expert water damage restoration, moisture detection, and structural drying to stop damage at the source and protect your home.

Our certified technicians use advanced equipment to remove hidden moisture and prevent mold growth.

Call (800) 775-7876 or find your nearest PuroClean office today.

Key Takeaways

Professional restoration may be required for lasting results
Laminate floor bubbling is usually caused by moisture
Water-damaged laminate rarely returns to normal
Improper installation increases bubbling risk
Subfloor moisture is often hidden but dangerous
Prevention starts with humidity and leak control
Early action limits repair costs

Why is My Laminate Floor Bubbling? Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

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